Maharashtra Official Claims ‘No Deaths Due To Oxygen Shortage’, Shiv Sena MP Raut Contradicts

Mumbai: A heated controversy hasa errupted across states over Central government’s claim of ‘no deaths due to lack of oxygen during the second wave of Coronavirus’. While Several states have opposed Centre’s statement, Maharashtra Health Commissioner N Ramaswamy has claimed that no deaths happened in the state due to lack of oxygen during the second wave of Coronavirus.

The official while speaking to ABP News on wednesday said that incident at Nashik Hospital was an accident. He also said that Centre did not ask for data regarding the same. 

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However, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has given a contradicting statement to what the state Health Commissioner said. Raut lashed out at the Central government for claiming that there were no deaths due to oxygen shortage during second COVID-19 wave. The MP demanded a case to be registered against the government. 

“I am speechless. What would have happened to the families of those who lost their loved ones to an oxygen shortage after hearing this statement? A case should be filed against the government. They are lying,” said Sanjay Raut. 

The Central Government on Tuesday informed the Rajya Sabha that no State/UT specified any death due to lack of oxygen during the the second wave of COVID-19.

Pointing out that health is a state subject, Minister of State for Health, Bharati Pravin Pawar in a written response stated that detailed guidelines for reporting of deaths have been issued by Union Health Ministry to all states/UTs and accordingly, all states/UTs report cases and deaths to Union Health Ministry on a regular basis. However, no deaths due to lack of oxygen has been specifically reported by states/UTs.