Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level review meeting on Thursday about the availability and supply of oxygen in the country and discussed ways and options for increasing oxygen availability during this period. According to a statement released from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), in this meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the need to work at a fast pace to increase the production of oxygen, speed up its delivery and ensure its access to health facilities. During this period, the officials apprised the Prime Minister of the steps taken in the last few weeks to improve the supply of oxygen.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister was told that cooperation with all the state governments is being done to meet the demand for oxygen of the states and adequate supply accordingly. The Prime Minister was also told how the oxygen demand of the states is increasing rapidly. According to the statement, against the current demand of 6785 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen per day from 20 states, from April 21, 6822 metric tonnes per day is being allocated to them.
Availability increased to 3300 MT
During the meeting, it was informed that the availability of liquid therapeutic oxygen has increased by 3300 MT per day in the last few days. This includes contributions from private and government steel plants, industries, oxygen producers. The availability of oxygen has also been increased by prohibiting the oxygen supply of non-essential industries.
Instructions for harsh action against hoarders
The Prime Minister also gave necessary guidelines to the authorities to ensure uninterrupted and uninterrupted oxygen supply to the states. The Prime Minister also asked the states to take stern action against the hoarders of oxygen. Senior officials of Cabinet Secretary, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, Home Secretary, Health including other Ministries and Departments and NITI Aayog were present in the meeting.
Supreme Court Seeks Response From Center
The Supreme Court has shown its toughness to the Central Government amidst the ever-increasing case of Covid throughout the country and the accompanying outcry for drugs-oxygen. Taking suo motu cognizance in this case, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Government asking what are their plans to deal with the coronavirus. The Supreme Court has issued this notice in view of hearing of the cases related to Corona in the High Court.
Describing the present situation as Emergency
Describing the present situation as ‘National Emergency’, the bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde has also sought answers from the Center regarding the supply and vaccination of oxygen and medicines. The court has asked the Center to state its nationally prepared plan to fight Corona.
