BackMaharashtra requests for Air Force help for supply of oxygen
We are continuously upgrading our healthcare infrastructure but they are under pressure, the CM saidThere is a shortage of medical oxygen, beds and the demand for Remdesivir has also increased, he added
PremiumMaharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said he would request the Centre to provide Air Force assistance for supply of oxygen, news agency ANI reported. On Tuesday, Thackeray addressed the state regarding imposition of stricter COVID rules to contain the spread of the virus. During the address, he said, I will speak to the Prime Minister to request him to provide us IAF assistance in the supply of oxygen for medical use from nearby states.
He further said that with the rise in new cases, the health infrastructure in the state is overburdened. The CM added that all the oxygen produced are being used for medical purposes and also highlighted the shortages of beds in the hospitals. He also highlighted the shortage of life-saving drug Remdisivir in the state. He said "We are continuously upgrading our healthcare infrastructure but they are under pressure. There is a shortage of medical oxygen, beds and the demand for Remdesivir has also increased."
Earlier in the day, state minister Eknath Shinde said that Maharashtra government is exploring various ways to tide over the shortage of medical oxygen which is in high demand due to the huge rise in COVID-19 cases, PTI reported.
He said the Jamnagar plant of Reliance has agreed to supply additional 100 metric tonnes of oxygen to Maharashtra following a request made by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The minister proposed to officials that tankers of Nitrogen could be used for transporting oxygen and that oxygen tankers be protected by the police.
As many as 60,212 fresh COVID19 cases have been reported from Maharashtra today and with this the active number of cases reached 5,93,042. Meanwhile, the state also reported 281 deaths in the time span of just 24 hours.
The state health bulletien also said that, out of the 2,25,60,051 laboratory samples 35,19,208 have been tested positive for COVID-19 until today. The positivity rate stands at 15.6%.
During the address, the chief minister also announced more strict restrictions in the whole state and imposed Section 144 starting from 8 pm tomorrow for a period of 15 days. The restrictions will be in effect till 7am, 1 May.
The decision was taken after the state is witnessing a fresh surge in the covid-19 cases. The state of Maharashtra is continually reporting over 50,000 new covid-19 cases for the last few days.
(With inputs from agencies)
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