Chamarajanagar (Karnataka): Amid increasing coronavirus cases in the country and a growing shortage of medical grade oxygen and other medical supplies, a big tragedy has struck Chamarajanagar Covid hospital. According to reports, 24 patients have died within 24 hours due to oxygen shortage & other problems. 12 patients died as the hospital ran out of oxygen, as per information received through hospital sources.
More than 50 patients who are in the hospital's ICU are also facing problems due to oxygen shortage.
After receiving the information CM BS Yeddyurappa has reprimanded the Chamarajanagar DC over the tragedy.
Late night MP Pratap Simha posted a Facebook post, "I have just spoken with Chamarajanagar DC, ADC & in charge of oxygen supply in Mysore about providing 50 cylinders to the hospital.
Speaking to the media Chamarajanagar DC Ravi said, "24 people died in the hospital in a single day but most of them were suffering from serious illness. Not all 24 died of oxygen shortage. Death audit is underway and real fact will come to the light after we get the death audit report. The number of covid infected people is also rising and there won't be any problem if hospitals get oxygen supply at the right time".
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CM Yeddyurappa has received a briefing from Health Minister Sudhakar. The CM has ordered him to go to the spot immediately and advised him to take control of the situation. The CM has also directed Suresh Kumar, who is in charge of the district, to reach the spot.
Strict action will be initiated against those who are responsible for the shortage of oxygen supply to Chamrajnagar hospital due to which at least 24 patients have lost their lives, said Kumar on Monday.
An inquiry has been ordered into the matter by the district incharge.
Talking about the tragedy in Chamarajanagar district, Kumar said, "There was an oxygen shortage last night. All patients did not die due to lack of oxygen. Action will be taken against the guilty. Such incidents will not be repeated. I have already spoken to CM general secretary and others & requested them to ensure proper supply of oxygen cylinders to Mandya, Chamarajanagar districts from Mysore. We will hold a high-level meeting on this".
Reacting to the tragic news, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to express his condolences to the families of the dead. He also questioned the govt over their culpability in the tragedy.
This is the second such incident in less than two days. On Saturday, four Covid patients died of oxygen shortage in KBN Hospital in Kalaburgi.
