With the rise in coronavirus cases all over the country, the situation is turning alarming for Pakistan. To emphasize and make the public follow the COVID-19 protocols, new lockdown measures have been implemented. As hospital wards start to fill up again, it is a grave situation and only a matter of time until we face oxygen shortage, just like in India.
Demand Of Oxygen Supply
With the rise in the number of COVID-19 patients and the need for cylinders. The manufacturers have alarmed the possible shortage of oxygen in the upcoming days. The prices of oxygen cylinders have shot up surprisingly by 2000-4000Rs. However, there is no reduction in the supply of oxygen, say the manufacturers.
Recently, a joined statement has been released by the owners. In the statement, they mentioned that oxygen is produced in its full capacity for now. However, it is only a matter of time before things could turn horrendous, just like in India.
Most of the oxygen produced in the country is being allocated to the hospital settings for now. Federal Minister Asad Umar says that the countries oxygen supply capacity is under stress. The Federal minister took to Twitter to comment about the current situation.
Hospital fill up continuing to grow. Critical care patients now above 4500, which is 30% higher than peak in june last year. Oxygen supply capacity in the country is now under stress. Sop compliance remains low. We are making a huge mistake by not following sop's
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 19, 2021
“We are working to enhance capacity and will import the gas if needed,” he said after the briefings received by NCOC over the weekend.
The Current Situation
A spike in coronavirus cases has taken over 2,400 lives just in April. Last week Pakistan reported the highest number of deaths of patients on ventilators during the ongoing month. The situation is reaching critical levels in some cities.
According to a city-wise breakdown, 88% of ventilators in Gujranwala, 85% in Multan, 82% in Lahore, and 65% of ventilators in Mardan are occupied. According to the data by the National Command and Operation Centre on its official web portal, 5,870 new coronavirus cases were recorded last week.
As the situation worsens for Pakistan, it is becoming more important to follow the protocols and limit all the activities as much as possible. As a nation, our fate does not turn out to be like our neighbors.
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