Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday countered the Delhi government’s claim that the Centre had not made any enquiries regarding the number of deaths due to oxygen shortage during the second wave of COVID-19.
Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said no letter had been received from the Centre on the matter.
Mr. Mandaviya tweeted, “Dear Sisodia, Here is the copy of the mail sent by my ministry to the Delhi government on 26th July. It’s not too late yet! By August 13 you can send the data so that we can answer the question to Parliament. After reviewing with your officers, please send the necessary data as soon as possible.”
The Minister included a copy of the question asked, which not only seeks the number of such deaths but also whether any inquiry was ordered into such deaths and whether action was taken against people accused of hoarding medicine and oxygen in the crucial period.
The Health Ministry had told Parliament that the States have not so far specifically provided any information on deaths of COVID patients in hospitals due to lack of oxygen, drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition. The issue of oxygen deaths is also pending in various courts, including the Supreme Court.
