India reels under surging Covid 19 cases, global leaders offer assistance as PM Modi reviews Oxygen supply

India on Saturday recorded 3,46,786 new Covid-19 cases, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. Another 2,624 deaths, a new daily record, were reported in last 24 hours. In a study carried out by IIT Kanpur and IIT Hyderabad using mathematical model, they predicted second wave of Covid 19 peaking between 11 and 15 May and then declining steeply by end of May. The surge can be brought down by following strict protocols and vaccination. The Delhi High Court took cognizance of the IIT study and questioned the preparation as on date to deal with mid-May.

The major crisis at present is the availability of Oxygen and hospital beds. The Government has initiated a number of steps to deal with the situation including setting up of hospitals by DRDO and Armed Forces, opening up DPSU hospitals for public and delegating financial powers to AFMS officials for procurement of essential items of treatment. Indian Railways is making an all out effort to supplement the health care efforts of Government of India. Total 5601 train coaches were converted as Covid Care Centers by Indian Railway. Presently, total 3816 Coaches are available for the use as Covid Care Coaches. Indian Railway is also running Oxygen Express in response to its fight against Covid-19. A total of 10 containers having nearly 150 tonnes of Oxygen have been carried so far. Indian Air Force continued its efforts towards COVID 19 relief. One C-17 of Indian Air Force today airlifted  4 empty cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore to Panagarh.

Many nations have pledged support in India’s fight against this unprecedented second wave. Dr Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration’s top medical adviser on the pandemic said, “They have a situation there where there are variants that have arisen. We have not yet fully characterised the variants and the relationship between the ability of the vaccines to protect. But we’re assuming, clearly, that they need vaccines.” He informed that US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with its counterpart agency in India to provide technical support and assistance and suggested to get people vaccinated. “We are working closely with them in the Covid-19 response. The Quad partnership and team is providing assistance across governments,” said  White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients in  a press briefing. Prime Minister of UK Boris Johnson has also expressed solidarity in India’s battle with Covid and is exploring how Britain can assist India in the fight. Russia had offered Oxygen containers and medical supplies while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin called the COVID-19 pandemic a common enemy of all mankind saying it requires international solidarity and mutual assistance offering to provide all the required support and assistance to India. Australia, France and Pakistan have also offered help to India.

Prime Minister Modi chaired a high level meeting to review the situation and decided to waive customs duty and health cess on the import of Covid vaccines and oxygen with immediate effect for a period of three months. The hospitals in Delhi are overwhelmed by the number of cases and shortage of Oxygen supply. The armed forces are also transporting oxygen cylinders and essential medicines to Delhi, which is reeling under a massive shortage of these items.