On the 21st of April, 11 people were killed in an unfortunate incident of oxygen tanker leakage. The incident happened outside Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, Maharashtra.
According to the sources, an oxygen tank leaked while it was filled with oxygen at the hospital. Dr. Rajender Shingane, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister of Maharashtra said, “It’s an unfortunate incident. As per preliminary info, we’ve learnt that 11 people died. We’re trying to get a detailed report. We’ve ordered an inquiry as well. Those who are responsible will not be spared.”
The State Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari also condoles the demise of the 11 people.
In addition, Rajesh Tope, the Health Minister of Maharashtra assured strict action and detailed report. He said “As per the information available with us, 11 patients who were on ventilators at the hospital in Nashik have died.
The leakage was spotted at the oxygen tank which was supplying oxygen to these patients.
The interrupted supply could be linked to the deaths of the 11 patients in the hospital.” He further said that “The Government will issue a press note after gathering more information and promised a probe into the matter.”
Later, the number of deceased increased to 22. Suraj Mandhare, the District Collector of Nashik said, “As per the current information, 22 people have died due to the interrupted supply of oxygen at the Zakir Hussain municipal hospital.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders like Devendra Fadanvis, Amit Shah and others also expressed grief over the demise of patients in the incident.
Devendra Fadnavis, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “What happened in Nashik is terrible. It’s being said that 11 people died which is very disturbing. I demand that the other patients be helped and shifted if needed. We demand a detailed inquiry.”
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister said, “नासिक के एक अस्पताल में ऑक्सिजन लीक होने से हुई दुर्घटना का समाचार सुन व्यथित हूँ। इस हादसे में जिन लोगों ने अपनों को खोया है उनकी इस अपूरणीय क्षति पर अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूँ। बाकी सभी मरीजों की कुशलता के लिए ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूँ।”
(I am distressed to hear the news of the accident of oxygen leak in a hospital in Nashik. I express my deepest condolences on this irreparable loss of those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. I pray to God for the efficiency of all the other patients.)
Since the past few weeks, Maharashtra has been reporting low supply of oxygen in the State for the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 patients. Being the worst COVID-18 hit State, Maharashtra Government is facing difficulties in handling increasing number of patients of COVID-19 everyday. According to the Maharashtra Health Minister, 15 % of the total active cases need oxygen.
Rajesh Tope said, “We’re anticipating that 15% of currently active cases may need oxygen. As of now, we have arrangements of 1550 MT of oxygen in the State. We’re trying to distribute the same. We’re also expecting the Oxygen which the Government of India will import. As per today’s demand, we have sufficient Remdesivir, only challenge is that of distribution. So I appeal to doctors to use oxygen and Remdesivir properly. Maharashtra is currently producing 1250 tons of liquid oxygen, it’ll be used for 100% medical use only.”
Meanwhile, 58,924 new Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 cases were reported in Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, according to the state health ministry. As many as 52,412 people recovered in the said period and 351 died. The total case tally reached 38,98,262 while the death toll reached 60,824.
