Goemkapronn desk
PANAJI: Even as the fear of the COVID19 pandemic may have decreased, and the World is back on its toes, the memories of the havoc it wreaked last year are still afresh in the minds of the Goans.
The Killer May 2021 is one month Goans will never forget. Around 1467 families will observe the first death anniversary of their near and dear ones this month.
Approximately 48 innocent people lost their lives every day in May 2021, which was the worst in 25 months of the pandemic.
Since the pandemic started in February 2020, Goa has seen 3832 deaths. With 1467 deaths in May, the month accounted for 40 p.c of total deaths in 25 months.
Oxygen shortage claim lives
It is no secret that most lives were lost due to a shortage of Oxygen in the State’s premier hospital – Goa Medical College.
With the increase in death, the citizens approached the High Court for some respite.
The Goa Bench of the High Court was told “logistic issues involved in manoeuvring tractors which carry oxygen, and (the) connecting of cylinders to manifold” had led to “fall of pressure in supply lines of oxygen to patients”. “It was pointed out it is basically because some casualties may have taken place,” the court summed up.
The bench – hearing petitions on the handling of the pandemic – slammed the State, saying Covid patients could not be allowed to die because of “logistics”.
It has directed hospital and state authorities to file a status report by 7 pm today; this includes reports on the supply of Oxygen and the availability of tanks, concentrators and drivers.
The Goa Chief Minister, who visited GMCH after the first set of deaths, had said the gap between the “availability of medical oxygen and its supply might have caused some issues”.
He also stressed that there was no scarcity of oxygen supply in the State.
Hospitals were full..
In May, the Goa Medical College and Hospital was full. There was no place for new patients, and the final few who managed admission had to be content with a spot on the floor.
“We waited eight hours just to get a wheelchair… the next day, his oxygen levels were 50-60, and we needed a ventilator, which was not available. Forget that; they don’t even have beds. They put him on the floor,” a family member of a patient, who did not wish to be named, said.
Goa also had the highest positivity rate in the country – 52.1 per cent in May, which meant that every second COVID-19 test returned a positive result.
Less than 10 p.c families compensated so far???
Even as 3832 innocent lost their lives, the Government of Goa is yet to compensate the victims’ families.
Sources revealed that out of 3832 deaths, only 200 to 300 families have been compensated so far.
The Chief Minister in this year’s budget, presented in the Assembly, made a Rs 20 cr provision for the purpose, but sources reveal the amount is just not enough.
“The minimum provision required was Rs 40 cr. This Rs 20 cr will not suffice even half the people,” sources revealed.
A panch member in Bardez says that people approach panchayat for compensation as the only bread earners in the family have died.
“But the government seems to have become insensitive. They splurge huge money on unwanted things while the people wait for COVID19 compensation. The files have been pending for a year now,” he said.
He said the government is still giving dates.
“Now, the last date is May 23 to submit claims. Why not clear the pending files first?” he asked.
