26 DEATHS IN GOA SPARK CONCERNS OF OXYGEN SHORTAGE

PANAJI: Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday said 26 Covid-19 patients died at the government-run Goa Medical College and Hospital between 2am and 6am, sparking concerns about a shortage of medical oxygen in the state.

The health minister has sought a probe by the high court to ascertain the exact cause of the deaths. “We are facing a shortage of oxygen. Yesterday we required 1,200 cylinders of oxygen but we got only 400. I think because of interrupted oxygen supply between 2am and 6am a lot of deaths are happening. Even today between 2am and 6am around 26 patients died. I think there needs to be an inquiry into this... it would also be fine if the High Court enquires into this,” Rane told reporters on Tuesday.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant, however, said the root of the issue “lay in the logistics of cylinder supply” rather than the availability of medical oxygen.

Following a visit to the hospital on Tuesday, the CM said the logistical issues would be streamlined by Tuesday evening after he “fixes responsibility on ensuring supply”.