Despite receiving oxygen from Kerala, Karnataka decides not to send oxygen to Kasaragod

KASARAGOD: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner's order has obstructed the supply of oxygen to Kerala.

Oxygen reaches Kasargod from Mangalore Baikampadi Malabar Oxygen Pvt. Ltd. Up to 35 cylinders a day are supplied to Kasaragod hospitals. Last Saturday morning, the officials informed that the supply of oxygen had been stopped as per the order of the Deputy Commissioner. A vehicle with just four cylinders of oxygen returned as emergency was reported. Two vehicles are still waiting.

Oxygen supply in Mangalore was disrupted for five days last week. At that time oxygen was brought from Palakkad. The Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner himself had stated in a press conference that 800 jumbo cylinders had arrived from Palakkad.

The supply to Kerala has been blocked as a precautionary measure to prevent oxygen shortage in hospitals in and around Mangalore.

Many hospitals in North Kerala depend on the Mangalore plant for oxygen. Oxygen stocks in private hospitals are depleted. In some hospitals, oxygen was delivered from other hospitals in Kasargod itself due to shortage.

Health experts say the oxygen shortage in the district could worsen if the government or the Kasargod collector does not take immediate action.