The deaths were reported at the hospital in Chamarajanagar allegedly after a drop in oxygen supply. At least 144 patients are being treated at the hospital.
After 24 patients died at a government hospital on Sunday night, the Karnataka government has ordered an inquiry. The deaths were reported at the hospital in Chamarajanagar allegedly after a drop in oxygen supply. At least 144 patients are being treated at the hospital.
“My boy had recovered 75%. If there had been an oxygen cylinder he could have been saved,” said Lokesh, NDTV reported.
Another such relative, Rajanna, told NDTV he received a distress call from his brother at midnight. “He called me around 12 o’clock saying there was no oxygen. Please see what you can do. When we came here immediately, they didn’t allow any of us in. When we called again, there was no reply. That meant he was gone. He died because of lack of oxygen”
IAS officer Shivayogi Kalasad has been appointed by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to investigate the matter and he will have to submit the report on the deaths to the government within three days. Meanwhile, state Home Minister Basavaraja Bommai has asked the Director General & Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Praveen Sood to investigate the matter and submit a comprehensive report for further action.
Pratap Simha, the MP from Mysuru, said: “Last night, when media people drew my attention to the situation of oxygen shortage in Chamarajnagar district, I myself contacted Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr MR Ravi and took a conference call with ADC who is in charge of oxygen. At night itself I contacted Southern Gas and they provided 15 cylinders. Before that also we had given from the quota. Despite all this, this sad incident occurred. Chamarajnagar is not some far away place. We feel it is part of us. We are part of their sorrow.”
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Dr. Ashwathnarayan C N tweeted: “Pained to learn about the incident in Chamarajanagar. My heart goes out to families who have lost their loved ones. Our Govt is investigating the incident. Saving citizens lives is our top priority. We are working on a war footing to ensure availability of oxygen in all dists.”
Pained to learn about the incident in Chamarajanagar. My heart goes out to families who have lost their loved ones. Our Govt is investigating the incident.
Saving citizens lives is our top priority.
We are working on a war footing to ensure availability of oxygen in all dists. https://t.co/GFYiheucxE
— Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N. (@drashwathcn) May 3, 2021
Since the beginning of the pandemic in January 2020, the district has recorded a total of 11,928 cases of COVID-19 infection. At least 167 people have died since then due to the virus.
Taking to Twitter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the state government over its handling of the crisis.
Died or Killed?
My heartfelt condolences to their families.
How much more suffering before the ‘system’ wakes up? pic.twitter.com/JrfZbIo7zm
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 3, 2021
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