BJP MLA Babush Monserrate today questioned the handling of the COVID-19 situation in Goa and slammed the state health minister Vishwajit Rane.

Monserrate, who represents Panaji, said everyone was aware of the second wave but unfortunately nothing was done by the health minister to tackle it.

He further said that Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the largest COVID-19 facility in the state, is being run like a cooperative society and alleged that most of the staff in the hospital is from Rane’s constituency.

75 deaths in four days at GMCH due to logistic issues related to supply of oxygen

As many as 75 COVID-19 patients died in the last four days at GMCH due to “logistic issues” linked to the supply of medical oxygen.

The state government told the Bombay High Court that some of the casualties may have taken place due to “logistical issues” related to connecting oxygen cylinders to the manifold (group of large gas cylinders) that resulted in interruption and drop in pressure in supply lines of oxygen to patients, reported PTI. 

The HC further said the Centre should ensure that the allotted quota of medical oxygen is made available at the earliest to Goa.

Goa reporting a very high test positivity rate

Goa which is reporting a very high test positivity rate recorded 2,455 new COVID-19 cases and 61 casualties on Friday, an official from the state health department said.

With 61 casualties reported during the day, the toll has risen to 1,998, the official said adding that at least 2,960 patients were discharged from various treatment facilities during the day, taking the count of recoveries to 98,200.

With hospitals in the state seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases, bodies continue to line up for last rites at crematoriums in the coastal state.

One of the oldest crematoriums in Goa located in Margao city had to construct four additional platforms and dedicate three of its existing ones to cater to people who died of COVID-19, reported PTI.