The demand for medical OXYGEN has jumped manifold amid the second wave of Covid, according to industry players who said it much sought-after since the start of the pandemic last year.

Are hospitals running out of oxygen ?

The main problem is that medical oxygen is not reaching hospital beds in time. This delay is a product of where production units are located, a stretched distribution network, and what critics have said is bad planning.

Several hospitals ,which has no significant oxygen production capacity, made frantic public calls this week seeking emergency supplies.

With Covid-19 cases also swamping its neighbouring states oxygen facilities there are over-stretched attempting to meet local demand.

Advice for all

WHO continues to encourage individuals to take care of their own health and protect others by:

• washing hands frequently with water and soap or using hand-sanitizing gel;
• maintaining social distancing (keeping a distance of 1 metre (3 feet) between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing);
• avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth;
• wearing a mask as needed;
• following respiratory hygiene (covering your mouth and nose with your folded elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, then disposing of the used tissue immediately);
• seeking medical care early if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing; and
• staying informed and following advice given by your health care provider, national and local public health authority, or employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

How Vaccination drive for18 to 44 year ?

As India will be starting its third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive on May 1 for all above age of 18 years

Registration for vaccinations for all above the age of 18 may have started on Wednesday but there seems to be a slip between the cup and the lip. State governments are yet to get a clarity from vaccine manufacturers regarding the vaccine delivery timelines. As a result, most states are unable to start vaccinations from May 1.

• With uncertainty looming large over the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday deferred its roll out the massive vaccination drive for the 18-44 years age group on May 1 as originally planned. For the present, the state government would continue to administer vaccines with the existing stock.

  The third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination in the country is scheduled to be launched on Saturday, amid record number of fresh daily infections.

   

After covering senior citizens and those over 45 years with comorbidities and later all members in this age group, the third phase involving citizens aged 18 plus is slated to be rolled out tomorrow.