Oxygen stock decreasing rapidly, Kerala CM writes to PM to increase share

The Kerala government has also demanded tankers, PSA plants, oxygen concentrators and ventilators as the state has the country’s third largest active caseload — the tally rose to 3.75 lakh with 41,953 new cases on Wednesday.

Kerala government, Narendra Modi, Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala oxygen, Kerala news, Kerala latest news, india news, indian express

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Facing an increased burden of Covid cases on its medical infrastructure, the Kerala government has demanded an allotment of 1,000 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen from the Centre’s share of imports.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged that the External Affairs Ministry be advised to allot the required quantity partially from the current tranche of imports and the rest from future imports in view of depleting stocks due to heavy demand. The Kerala government has also demanded tankers, PSA plants, oxygen concentrators and ventilators as the state has the country’s third largest active caseload — the tally rose to 3.75 lakh with 41,953 new cases on Wednesday.

“Oxygen stock is decreasing very rapidly. We need the Centre’s help in maintaining adequate stock of oxygen. Kerala should be allotted 500 MT as the first installment from the current import quota. Another 500 MT may be allotted in the next phase,’’ Vijayan told the media after a review meeting, adding that there was a rise in demand due to an increase in the number of patients.

The Chief Minister said that 61 per cent of oxygen beds in medical colleges and 51.28 per cent in other government hospitals are already occupied, and only 33 per cent of oxygen beds are vacant in private hospitals. Besides, 61.3 per cent of ICU beds in government hospitals are already in use by Covid and non-Covid patients. He said 27.3 per cent of ventilators in the government sector and 24.7 per cent in the private sector are in use, he said.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

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