A trustee of Olive Trust says getting even 10 canisters refilled is taking at least two days; adds that they never faced such a situation during the first wave
A man drags an oxygen cylinder at Mahalaxmi on Saturday. Pic/Ashish Raje
A Charitable trust in Jogeshwari, which has been helping COVID-19 patients in need of oxygen support during the pandemic, said that there is a severe shortage of empty canisters in the city. But we have managed to acquire 50 cylinders so far, Tahir Chauhan, the trustee of Olive Trust, told mid-day Chauhan said they did not face this crisis last year, during the first wave of the novel Coronavirus outbreak.
“We have been helping people get oxygen cylinders for medical purposes since last year. But we never faced shortage of either oxygen gas or tanks then, but the situation is grim this time.”
“The demand is increasing, but we are unable to help all, as there is a severe shortage. I had requested one supplier to get me 10 refilled cylinders, but he could manage only six and took a couple of days to get it done. That means the waiting period is long and canisters are not easily available,” he added.
Chauhan added that the price of refilling an oxygen canister has doubled due to the massive shortage. “Earlier, a small oxygen cylinder was refilled for R350, but now the supplier takes Rs 700.”
Arshad Siddhiqui of Red Crescent Society has helped many social activists, mosques and trustees including the Olive Trust to source cylinders.
Red Crescent Society's general secretary Dr Azimuddin Sayyed told mid-day that his organisation blocked Rs 60 lakh to purchase 1,000 canisters. These canisters have been distributed at different locations, including Colaba, Mumbai Central, Irla in Vile Parle, Andheri West, Jogeshwari West, Mira Road, Kashimira, Bhiwandi and Uran, he said.
“People in dire need of oxygen can approach the mosques at these places and pay a deposit of Rs 6,000 for one cylinder. The amount will be refunded when
the canister is returned,” he added.
Dr Sayeed said that in the next couple of days, his organisation will get 200 more canisters of medical oxygen and these will be distributed across Mumbai and nearby areas.
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