"I'm speaking to you at a time when COVID-19 is testing our patience," PM Modi said. (File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Centre is "fighting with all its might to support states in fight against coronavirus". Speaking in his monthly radio address "Mann ki Baat" in the backdrop of a crippling oxygen crisis in the national capital, PM Modi said the government of India is dedicated to taking forward the efforts of the state governments to tackle the current COVID19 situation.
"I'm speaking to you at a time when COVID-19 is testing our patience and capacity to bear pain. Many of our loved ones left us untimely. After successfully tackling first wave, the nation's morale was high, it was confident. But this storm (second wave) has shaken the nation," he said.
"To tackle this wave of COVID, I have held meetings with experts from many fields like pharma industry, oxygen production etc," the Prime Minister said, without going into specifics.
Since last week, Delhi has been gasping for oxygen, with various hospitals, small and large, flagging oxygen shortage every few hours. One hospital said it lost 25 lives overnight on Saturday due to the shortage.
The Delhi government and the Centre are fighting it out in court over supply issues, with the Centre contending that mismanagement on part of the Delhi government has led to the shortage.
The Delhi government has contended that oxygen tankers are being stopped at source or on way to Delhi by the neighbouring states.
PM Modi also asked the people not to believe in "rumours" regarding vaccination.
"You all must be aware that the government of of India has sent free vaccine to all state governments. All people above the age of 45 years can benefit from this," he said, adding that the Centre will continue to give free jabs to eligible people.
