Bengaluru: Lack of ICU beds and oxygen supply has further worsened the condition of COVID-19 patients in Bengaluru. Patients, lying in ambulances in anticipation of a bed, has become a common sight.
In a striking incident, Dr Narayana Swamy, a doctor practising at the city's Atreya Hospital, was seen moving around in an ambulance all night to arrange at oxygen cylinders to save patients. He said at least five patients were in a critical condition and oxygen, enough for only half an hour, was available at the hospital.
Also read: Karnataka opens war room for oxygen supply to hospitals
In wake of rapidly depleting medical oxygen supply, government-run ambulances were found struggling for oxygen at the Yelahanka Public Hospital on Tuesday.
On Monday, the government had said there was no shortage of oxygen in government hospitals. However, the situation seems to have changed drastically within 24 hours. Sources said the Yelahanka Public Hospital, too, was in need of at least 10 oxygen cylinders on priority.
In another incident, the Charaka Super Specialty Government Hospital in Shivajinagar had hung a board, sending out a clear message that all its beds had been occupied. A total of 50 beds had been arranged at the hospital for COVID-19 patients. All of those had been occupied. Ambulances with patients on board, desperately waiting for a bed from as early as 8 am up to as late as 11 pm, was a common sight.
A 45-year-old man, whose family made all desperate attempts to find him a bed at the ESI Hospital in Indiranagar, but to no avail. Though a bed was finally arranged at the KC General Hospital, he passed away on Tuesday.
Just as hospitals, crematoriums, too, were filled with bodies with their relatives struggling to find a slot to cremate the deceased. Ambulances carrying dead bodies were found making a bee-line at the crematoriums in Bengaluru.
Also read: Kannada actor, director breaks down while explaining his ordeal to get an oxygen cylinder
Popular Sandalwood comedian Sadhu Kokila said, a few days ago, he had a harrowing time finding an oxygen cylinder for his nephew, who was infected with COVID-19. He lamented about the plight of common people when celebrities were having a nightmare obtaining life-saving equipment.
