New Delhi: Despite repeated assurances from the government on medical oxygen, vaccines and hospital beds, Covid patients and their families have got little relief as cases continue to soar.

At Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital on April 22, amid a huge traffic pile-up of ambulances and private vehicles, several patients – seeking urgent medical attention – were seen desperately waiting to get admitted.

Heartbreaking visuals captured the agony of dozens of people as officials said all hospital beds are occupied.

Among those who had to go through the struggle was Ruby Khan, 30. Her husband, Aslam Khan, drove her on a bike after three hospitals refused to admit her. Helpless and tired, Aslam begged to the hospital staff: “My wife will die. Please admit her.”

“I am ready to even touch their feet. They keep repeating ‘there is no bed’. Should I get her treated on the floor? How can I leave her to die?” Aslam told NDTV outside the hospital. He couldn’t stop crying.

The LNJP Hospital is the national capital’s biggest hospital for Covid treatment.

Some people waiting outside said their family members had earlier tested negative for Covid yet they were experiencing breathlessness and their oxygen levels had dipped.

After Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sought the the federal government’s assistance, Delhi’s desperate oxygen crisis was the subject of a marathon hearing at the High Court on Wednesday.

Asking the government to ensure oxygen for those who need it, the High Court remarked: “Beg, borrow, steal… it’s your job.”

With India witnessing a frightening surge in Covid cases each day, the Supreme Court today sought a “national plan” on oxygen supply, essential drugs and method of vaccination from the federal government. “We want to see the national plan on this issue,” said Chief Justice of India SA Bobde.

Delhi has logged 93o,000 cases so far; over 24,000 cases were recorded since April 21.

India has been recording more than 299,999 infections everyday since April 15. On April 22 morning, the country recorded 314,000 fresh infections in the world’s biggest-ever daily surge.

On April 22, Arvind Kejriwal at a televised briefing said: “Centre increased our oxygen quota yesterday. We need more supply but we are thankful. I am very sure that if we fight against Covid together, we will succeed.”

Source: ndtv.com