Ahmedabad (Gujarat): The number of Corona cases in the state is increasing steadily following which the state government has swung into action. Important decisions are being taken by the core committee regarding the pandemic in the state. As Corona patients need more oxygen, the state government has taken an important decision with regard to the companies producing oxygen. The state government said that the companies producing oxygen will have to reserve 70 per cent of the oxygen for the health department, while the remaining 30 per cent can be supplied to the industries. This was announced by deputy chief minister Nitin Patel at a media conference.
The Corona pandemic has seen a steady increase in the number of patients in most districts of the state, including the state's four largest metros. While patients with primary Corona infection are being treated at home, those who are old and suffer from diabetes, blood pressure, respiratory diseases are being treated in hospitals. Such patients often need oxygen.
With the spike in coronavirus cases, the demand for oxygen, too, has increased manifold. A large number of patients are being kept in ICU for treatment. Under such a situation, companies manufacturing oxygen are reported to have jacked up the price of oxygen.
Price of oxygen cylinder hiked by 60 per cent
Even as people do not have money for medical treatment, the increase in the price of oxygen has put an additional burden on them leading to a severe crisis. The price of an oxygen cylinder has been raised from the prevailing Rs 285. Now the price of a 7 cu.mtr cylinder has been jacked up to Rs 325, a rise of about 60 to 70 per cent.
READ: Increase in Covid cases among children in Gujarat
Gujarat stops the supply of oxygen to other states
Companies manufacturing oxygen in Gujarat have been barred from supplying oxygen outside the state. The government has reserved oxygen for the health department to meet the need of corona patients. Following the stoppage of oxygen supply from Gujarat, hospitals in the adjoining state of Madhya Pradesh are facing a crunch. Other states too have put a brake on the supply of oxygen to industries in order to meet the need of Corona patients.
RT PCR tests increased in the state
Looking at the way the cases are increasing in the state, the government has made arrangements to conduct more tests. The government has also speeded up the vaccination campaign and is trying to create awareness about the need for vaccination. It is also trying to make available the vaccine to the people at the earliest.
Pressure is building on the government to bring the price of oxygen cylinders under its control.
