Karnataka: 24 die allegedly due to oxygen crisis in Chamarajanagar

As many as 24 Covid-19 patients died in the last 24 hours after a government hospital in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar allegedly ran out of medical oxygen.

Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner Dr MR Ravi, however, said it is yet to be ascertained whether the patients died from lack of oxygen. “We can’t say whether all have died due to lack of oxygen,” he said.

The family members of the deceased have staged a protest in front of the hospital demanding action against the officials.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said he has spoken to Chamarajanagar district commissioner over the incident and has also called an emergency Cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening.

District in-charge and Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Suresh Kumar has sought a detailed report from the administration. Kumar said: “I have asked the administration for a detailed report on the exact reason for the death. If any negligence is found guilty he will face strict action.”

Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar alleged that it is criminal negligence that led to the deaths

“Criminal negligence has led to these 24 deaths in Karnataka. Why do CM @BSYBJP & Minister @mla_sudhakar keep lying everyday saying there is enough oxygen? Is there no accountability? How many more will be ‘killed’ because the Govt can’t supply Oxygen?,” he questioned the government in a tweet.