HYDERABAD: As the coronavirus count in Telangana gallops to record numbers, the demand for medical oxygen is shooting through the roof.
According to the latest market data, the price of both 10 litres and 47.2 litres cylinder (used in hospitals) has more than doubled with manufacturers charging Rs 25,000 (10 litres), up from Rs 9,400 in a matter of days. Similarly, the price of 47.2 cylinders, used commonly in hospitals rose to Rs 35,000 from Rs 14,000.
“In view of Covid-19 cases, the state would need at least 250 tonnes of medical oxygen supply daily but we are able to get 140 tonnes only,” a dealer, who did not wish to be identified, told TOI.
Dealers say the demand from non-Covid critical emergency cases have also increased manifold at a time when the government has said oxygen supply is adequate, but large private hospitals have had to shell out more due to increased demand.
The refilling cost per cubic metre of the cylinder has also gone up from Rs 10 to Rs 100 now. Now, the refilling costs nothing less than Rs 1,000 per cylinder.
Rajender: Doctors advised to use oxygen judiciously
While the number of cases is increasing by thousands, the number of serious cases are low. Even MBBS doctors are qualified to treat these cases. Also, our officials are in constant consultation with the Central government on the issue of oxygen shortage in the state. Oxygen production is a subject of the Central government and at present the states cannot produce oxygen. Currently, Telangana requires 250 tonnes of oxygen per day, but the requirement can shoot up to 350 tonnes if cases increase at the current rate,” the minister said, adding that doctors have been advised to use oxygen judiciously and not give it to satisfy patients’ anxiety.
The health department has suggested reducing oxygen supply for industrial needs so they can be provided to hospitals for now.
Pertaining to the shortage of antiviral drug Remdesivir, the minister said that the drug was sent to all public and private hospitals. “The manufacturing companies said they had reduced manufacturing the drug due to lack of demand as corona cases have been declining for the past four months. We are likely to get 3 lakh injections soon if the Centre changes some protocols,” he added.
Allaying fears of virus being airborne, the minister reiterated that self-imposed lockdown, wearing masks and other Covid-appropriate behaviour was the only way to protect one from the virus.