There could be severe shortage of oxygen supply in Chennai soon - Supply versus demand in many hospitals
Posted on: 06/May/2021 9:20:38 AM
With more number of Coronavirus positive cases in Chennai, the lack of infrastructural requirements in the hospitals in Chennai are now grabbing the attention of many. Point is that many hospitals in Chennai have been keeping a close eye on the oxygen supply. Many hospitals are facing the issue of last minute supply of oxygen and it is now revealed that in the next 2 weeks there might be severe shortage in oxygen supply. It is important to mention here that at this point of time, beds and oxygen supplies are regarded as crucial things for the Covid-19 affected patients.
Till now, the oxygen supply has been holding and the biomedical department has been providing daily information about the last minute supply of oxygen cylinders by the vendors. This was pointed out by Mr. Navin Gnanasekaran, associate director of medical services, MGM Healthcare Hospitals. He hinted that there would be severe shortage of oxygen in the hospital in the next 10 to 15 days.
There would be supply of oxygen versus demand of oxygen issue in Chennai and this would be there until the number of active Covid-19 cases is brought under control by lockdown. It must be taken into account that at present there is no oxygen shortage and the hospitals are getting the oxygen supply in the last minute. Truth is that the situation would worsen soon.
It is learnt that this MGM Healthcare Hospitals in Chennai has been trying to rationalise the use of the oxygen and is procuring oxygen concentrators for ward patients. Eight to ten litres of oxygen could be got from the best oxygen concentrators. The oxygen concentrators might not be enough for those who need higher oxygen supply.
The time for waiting for the oxygen supply from the vendors would be tense and this was as per an officer belonging to the hospital. He then mentioned that on an average this hospital has 150 to 170 patients on oxygen support and trucks to refill the liquid oxygen tanks do not arrive on correct time creating more pressure. Truth is that a delay in oxygen could send a patient to de-saturation and that would be dangerous.
More patients could be taken up if there is more oxygen supply for them. It is now said that the TN government must ensure the increase in the supply of oxygen plus make sure that Remdesivir tablets are available for the Covid-19 patients.
