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Karnataka: 24 COVID-19 patients die in Chamarajanagar after hospital runs out of oxygen

The deaths have triggered blame game between officials of Chamarajanagar, Mysuru

Twenty four Covid-19 patients admitted to the district hospital in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar died in the last 24 hours after the hospital ran out of oxygen.

Even as the helpless families of the deceased struggled to come to terms with their loss, the deaths have triggered a blamegame between the district officials of Chamarajanagar and Mysuru.

Deputy Commissioner of Chamarajanagar M.R.  Ravi alleged that the shortage of oxygen supply from Mysuru was responsible for the crisis, while the Mysuru district administration denied the charge.

Chamarajanagar district incharge minister S. Suresh Kumar admitted there was shortage of oxygen supply to his district, but expressed doubt that all deaths had been caused due to oxygen shortage. He has sought a death audit in the case.  

"We need to see the exact cause of these 24 deaths and how many had co-morbidities. I have sought a death audit. We will initiate suitable action if any officer is found negligent. I have been urging people to seek medical help at the earliest as late admission could prove to be dangerous. We want to save every life," said Kumar indicating that the deaths could be due to delayed admission.

Mysuru MP Pratap Simha told he had learnt of the oxygen shortage in Chamarajanagar hospital late Sunday night. "Chamarajanagar hospital was yet to get its supplies from Ballari. I spoke to Mysuru DC at 11.30 pm and arranged to send 15 cylinders immediately from our quota and another 130 cylinders were also dispatched.  I feel the Chamarajanagar DC should place the indent for adequate cylinders as Mysuru too has 300 beds and we need to secure enough oxygen from within the quota allotted to us."

The Mysuru district administration clarified that there had been no delay on their part as 250 cylinders were despatched from Mysuru on priority. While, 210 cylinders were despatched from Southern Gas, another 40 cylinders were given from the district hospital by 12.30am.

Ironically, the district incharge minister had inaugurated an liquid medical oxygen plant costing Rs 64 crore at Chamarajanagar last week stating it would help overcome shortage of oxygen supplies. The minister elaborated on the problem saying, "Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts were dependent on Mysuru for oxygen supplies. We had installed a new oxygen plant with a capacity of 6,000 litres in Chamarajanagar but we will still need cylinders too.  Yesterday, we could not procure adequate cylinders from Mysuru. I have brought the issue to the notice of the chief secretary and ADGP Pratap Reddy, who is incharge of oxygen supply. We need a permanent solution to be self-reliant in the district. We need assured quota and stocks. We want the non-functional oxygen plant in Mysore to be made operational to meet our growing demand."

Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy slammed the state government for their "lack of preparedness" to tackle the crisis. "Shut down oxygen consuming industries and divert all the oxygen produced to the hospitals.  Appoint a nodal officer and Covid minister to ensure there is no shortage of ICU beds, oxygen,  Remdesivir among other supplies.  Hike the salary of Covid warriors to Rs 2 lakh.  The oxygen supply and medicines should be made available at all the hospitals.  It is not enough to hoard the stocks. The health minister is only good enough only to pose before the camera and make statements before the media. How will patients benefit from this?," asked Kumaraswamy.  

"The chief minister should quit if he is incapable of fighting this pandemic. There is enough money and support of corporates to tide over the crisis," added Kumaraswamy.