RJ health minister blames Centre for oxygen shortage

Jaipur: Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma on Monday accused the Centre of discrimination, claiming while 1,200 metric tonne oxygen was being supplied to Gujarat, his State got only 124 metric tonnes even though both have similar Covid-19 situations.

Referring to a liquid oxygen plant in Alwar's Bhiwadi which was under the State's control, the minister said, "There was no lack of oxygen last time. This time, when there is more need of oxygen, the Centre has taken over all the medical oxygen generator plants and the oxygen distribution network."

"There are equal number of Covid-19 cases in Rajasthan and Gujarat. In Gujarat, 1,200 metric tonne oxygen is being supplied, whereas Rajasthan is getting only 124 metric tonnes," he claimed. "If oxygen is not made available adequately, how will we save lives of people," the minister questioned.

Sharma further said that the Rajasthan government has ordered procurement of 1,500 oxygen condensers, which will provide oxygen to 3,000 patients. But more oxygen will be required to fight the disease, he added.