The Supreme Court on Thursday resumed its hearing on the matter regarding the supply of oxygen by the Centre to various hospitals in Delhi. The government counsel apprised the court as to how it will provide oxygen to Delhi hospitals.
The Centre told the court that 730 MT of oxygen has been given to Delhi and surveys conducted in 56 hospitals show enough stock. While the SC appreciated the Centre for the same, the Delhi government countered the claim saying it had received only 555 MT from the Centre.
Delhi government lawyer Rahul Mehra told the court that the city government had received 555 MT oxygen, not 730 MT as claimed by the Centre, when Justice MR Shah asked him why “oxygen is supplied to you is not being lifted”.
Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta told the apex court that a significant stock of oxygen is there in Delhi hospitals at present. States like Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are also demanding more oxygen to cater to their hospital demands, he said.
The Centre today also submitted its detailed plan before the Supreme Court on procurement and supply of oxygen to various states.
Justice DY Chandrachud, however, told the Centre to look at the issue of oxygen supply on a pan-India basis. There is a need to look at oxygen audit and also reassess the basis for oxygen reallocation, he said
“At present health professionals are in complete fatigue, how you will ensure better health care facilities,” Justice Chandrachud said. “What will happen between today and Monday? You (Centre) must augment supply,” he said further, asking the Centre to “give 700 MT oxygen to Delhi”.
The court further observed the need for a buffer stock of oxygen on an urgent basis. “We need to prepare for the third wave of Covid-19. There are reports of children being affected. We need to create a buffer stock of oxygen as soon as possible.”
The Delhi government has, however, said that it doesn’t have cryogenic tankers. “In order to ensure immediate supply of O2, suppliers must transport oxygen to our doorstep.”
Chiding the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Justice Chandrachud said, “If you (Centre) make an error in policy framing, then, you will be held responsible and accountable for it.”
The Supreme Court then concluded the hearing and said it will pass an order on the matter.
