No death due to lack of oxygen was specifically reported by states and union territories during the second COVID-19 wave. The ruling Government in India stated in the Parliament today.
Answering to a question, Minister of State for Health Bharati Praveen Pawar, in a written reply, noted that health is a state subject and stated:
Oxygen Debate : No deaths reported due to lack of oxygen during COVID19 Second Wave – Indian Govt
“Detailed guidelines for reporting of deaths have been issued by the Union Health Ministry to all states/UTs. Accordingly, all states/UTs report cases and deaths to Union Health Ministry on a regular basis. However, no death due to lack of oxygen has been specifically reported by states/UTs.”
However, the health ministry acknowledged an unprecedented surge in the demand for medical oxygen during the second wave of the COVID pandemic.
The Union health ministry has said the states have not provided any information on deaths of Covid patients in hospitals due to lack of oxygen. With a number of deaths due to oxygen shortage making headlines during the second wave, especially in Delhi, the matter drew sharp criticism from the opposition.
