Coronavirus: Centre increases Delhi's oxygen quota, says Kejriwal
The central government has increased the oxygen quota for Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said. Earlier in the day, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia had alleged that an official of the Haryana government stopped oxygen supply to Delhi from a plant in Faridabad. Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij alleged the Delhi government had stolen an oxygen tanker. Here are more details.
Sources in Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party told NDTV that the Centre has raised the oxygen quota of Delhi from 378 metric tonnes (MT) to 500 MT. Delhi has sought 700 MT for its current need. Reportedly, the additional oxygen is expected to come from Odisha. An AAP leader said, "We welcome the hike, but even the 378 MT is not being fully met."
At least six hospitals in Delhi with around 2,000 COVID-19 patients collectively are facing a severe oxygen crisis. St Stephen's Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, and Sir Irene Hospital said their supplies would only last a few hours. Max Hospital said they had two to three hours' worth of supplies at two of their hospitals—at Shalimar Bagh and Patparganj.
A doctor at St Stephen's hospital told NDTV their oxygen supply is being held up at the Haryana border. Father George, the Director of Delhi's Holy Family Hospital, said their supplier—based in Haryana's Faridabad—has refused to bring any more oxygen, citing "orders from above."
Meanwhile, Haryana accused Delhi of "looting" an oxygen tanker on its way to Faridabad. It also ordered police protection for its tankers. Vij said, "We are being forced to give our oxygen to Delhi. First, we'll complete our needs, then give to others." Sisodia said the oxygen quota of every state is fixed by the Centre and no state can block oxygen.
