The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday recorded the highest ever death tally of 47 in one single day while the total active positive cases crossed the barrier of 30,000 with 3,832 fresh cases getting detected during screening across the region.
Out of these 47 deaths, 30 were reported from Jammu division and 17 across Kashmir division.Out of a total of 3832 fresh cases, the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu reported highest number 1084 and 504 cases respectively.
The UT administration after reviewing the rapid growth of coronavirus cases late evening also decided to extend the 'Corona Curfew' till May 6 across four most affected districts of Srinagar, Baramulla, Budgam and Jammu.
However, the Corona curfew at night shall continue in all Municipal / urban local body limits of all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including the above 4 districts. Night curfew will be in force from 8 pm to 7 am.
On the other hand, the third phase of the vaccination drive meant for persons between 18-45 years of age was launched in a phased manner in Jammu and Srinagar districts only.
According to the media bulletin issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations, "Out of 30 deaths reported across Jammu region, 13 were reported from GMC, Jammu, four from Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital ( ASCOMS), three from GMC, Rajouri, two from GMC Kathua".
As the number of deaths piled up across Jammu region allegations of lack of oxygen supply available in some of the private hospitals also surfaced.
One of the hospital premises in Jammu saturday witnessed chaos after family members raised hue and cry soon after their patient succumbed. Aggrieved family members alleged the patient died in the absence of uninterrupted oxygen supply. Responding to the allegations Director Principal, Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (ASCOMS), Dr Pavan Malhotra said a patient namely Bita Kumari Kher aged 59 years was admitted on 14.04.2021 as CoVID positive and turned negative on 28.04.2021. She however could not support herself on the atmospheric oxygen and had to continue with High Flow oxygen even after getting negative.
The patient was treated as per protocol of CoVID and she became negative after receiving the treatment. She had a massive Cardiac Pulmonary arrest today morning at around 9.30 A.M and passed away due to acute CoVID pneumonia. The reports in the media that the patient died due to the non availability of oxygen is totally incorrect.
Dr Malhotra also claimed “The oxygen supply to the hospital is adequate and the hospital is not admitting any non CoVID patient so that the care of CoVID patients is not affected. Normal and Emergency surgeries have been temporarily suspended” the Principal said.