"Precious Life Shouldn't Be Lost Due To Deficiencies In Matter Of Oxygen Supply": Bombay High Court Directs Centre To Supply Allotted Oxygen Quota To Goa

The Bench of of Justice M. S. Sonak & Justice N. W. Sambre expressed its anguish that some logistical gave rise to serious consequences to the Covid victims.

The Court was informed that there were logistical issues involved in maneuvering the tractor which carries the trolleys of oxygen and in connecting the cylinders to the manifold and that during this process there was some interruption, which resulted in fall of pressure in the supply lines of oxygen to the patients.

Noting thus, the Court remarked:

"We expect the State Administration to find out ways and means to overcome these logistical issues, so that, precious life is not lost on account of any deficiencies in the matter of supply of oxygen to the patients"

Oxygen supply

The Court was assured by the Advocate General as well as the Health Secretary that there was no dearth as such of oxygen and they pointed out that the Central Government had now increased the quota for Goa, having regard to the overwhelming number of Covid victims in the State of Goa.

They also assured the Court that they were continuously following up the matters with the Central Government, so that, such quota is actually received in the State of Goa at the earliest.

The Health Secretary made the following statements before the Court:

• Dura Cylinders will be positively installed and made operational at the Goa Medical College today itself.
• Dura Cylinders, to some extent, will assist in tiding over the difficulties which invariably arise at the time when one set of cylinders/trolleys is replaced by another;
• Efforts are already being made to engage services of expert drivers to drive and maneuver the tractors for transportation of trolleys from the plant at Corlim to the Goa Medical College.
• Almost 323 oxygen concentrators are being flown into the State and will be available for use at the Goa Medical College by today itself.
• Oxygen supply position as on 12^th May 2021 will also continue on 13^th May 2021 as well as for the next few days. He stated that efforts will be made to augment this supply position as well

The submissions made by the Advocate General:

• The issue of filling up of empty cylinders, particularly by NGOs like Red Cross, Rotary Club and other individuals will be sorted out by this evening.
• In respect of genuine cases, arrangements will be made to issue the necessary NOCs so that there is no serious difficulty in having these cylinders filled up.
• The authorities who are to issue such NOCs will be available to such parties, so that there is no delay in the issuance of NOC in genuine and deserving cases.
• Some system will be put in place so that there are no difficulties on this score.

Lastly, the Court directed the Health Secretary to file a status report tomorrow by 6.00 p.m. by e-mail.

The Court also stated that if it would be satisfied with the status report, it will hold further proceedings on 17^th May 2021, however, if the report wouldn't be found satisfactory, then the Court will hold the proceedings on 15^th May 2021, even though it is a Saturday.

Accordingly, all concerned, were directed to remain prepared for the proceedings that may be held either on 15^th May 2021 or 17^th May 2021.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order