The truth must be ascertained about the alleged deaths due to lack of medical oxygen during the peak of the Covid- 19 second wave in the country. A great deal of noise was generated soon after the arrival of the second wave in April-May this year about the scarcity of oxygen. An impression was created that it was not the disease, but limited supply of oxygen that was killing the people nationwide. The Delhi government even approached the Supreme Court seeking aid from the apex court to pressure the central government to provide sufficient oxygen for the treatment of persons affected. Similar allegations were made by the other states too. Hospitals also expressed their inability to save lives due to lack of oxygen. There were reportedly 21 fatalities in Delhi’s Jaipur Golden Hospital and an Agra Hospital also reported several deaths due to oxygen shortage. But now barely two months later, the Centre has informed the Rajya Sabha that not a single death occurred due to the shortage of oxygen. Naturally, such a statement by the government took everyone by surprise. Initially, the Centre tried to answer the criticism by stating that the states and Union Territories (UTs) did not report any such deaths. But in the face of mounting pressure from various quarters, the Centre has now asked states and UTs to submit all information on fatalities linked to oxygen shortage once again. Will the state and UTs who were crying hoarse for oxygen until recently, provide all relevant documents about such deaths this time?
The chances are bleak based on the actions of the states and UTs. It is clear that the states and UTs have not done enough to combat the disease. On the contrary, they banked heavily upon Centre-bashing to hide their failures. During the peak of the second wave, most state governments tried to create the impression that fatality rates were abnormally high due to the unavailability of medical oxygen. As a result, the daily requirement of medical oxygen went from 3095 metric ton to 9000 metric ton. But, alleging first, then denying and finally admitting such deaths will result in a public backlash against the states and UTs. At the same time the states and UTs will have to initiate criminal proceedings against those who are prima facie responsible for such deaths. Definitely, no states or UT will invite such embarrassment.
The truth must be revealed at any cost. If there was a shortage of oxygen, the country will have to enhance its capacity to produce medical oxygen to effectively quell any future threats such as the looming third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, if it is found that shortage of oxygen in some states was nothing but mere propaganda, the matter should be dealt with strictly. As the oxygen blame game between the Centre and the states/UTs continues, with neither party willing to take responsibility and necessary action, the citizens of India continue to be at the losing end.