Amid an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths over the past few weeks, Khulna division is now clamouring for oxygen -- a component key in saving the lives of critical patients. While few hospitals in Khulna division have already run out of the life-saving gas, many other medical facilities are operating on the edge due to an acute shortage of oxygen. In the past week, seven breathless Covid-19 patients have died at Satkhira Medical College Hospital in Satkhira district due to the unavailability of oxygen. A probe has been ordered into the deaths on June 30. Also read: Dire situation at Jhenaidah as infections soar, Covid unit overrun, oxygen to run out in 3 days  In Khulna district, the largest specialised government hospital is overwhelmed by a sudden surge in Covid cases -- it has not only stopped corona testing but is also scrambling for beds and oxygen.

All necessary initiatives have been taken to install a dedicated medical oxygen generation plant at Chandpur General Hospital to meet the increasing demand for life-saving gas amid Covid-19 surge across the district. The plant, funded by UNICEF, will have the capacity to supply 20 lakh millilitre of oxygen. The project will be implemented by Spectra International, under the direct supervision of the Health Ministry. Read Indian capital gasps for oxygen - United News of Bangladesh Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni is also providing her assistance and guidance implementing the project, hospital Supervisor Dr Md Habib Ul Karim told UNB. "At present, we have to bring oxygen cylinders from Cumilla as per the demand. Access time and money is spent in the process. This plant will meet the current demand in the district as well as will keep a reserve for 5/6 months,” said the hospital super. UNICEF in association with Spectra International will install oxygen plants in 25 districts across the country, he added. Read Liquid oxygen import from India suspended at Benapole

  A fire broke out in a Baghdad hospital that cares for coronavirus patients after oxygen cylinders reportedly exploded late Saturday, officials said. There were initial reports of 15 people dead. Firefighters rushed to put out the flames and clear out patients at the Ibn al-Khatib hospital, which provides care for severe coronavirus patients in its intensive care unit. “I don’t know how many victims there are, there are so many burned bodies all over the place,” said Dr. Sabah al-Kuzaie, present at the scene. Initial reports showed at least 36 people wounded in addition to the 15 dead, according to medical and security officials. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Iraqi authorities have not released to an official casualty count. Also read: Oxygen tank leak claims 22 lives in India Covid hospital There were at least 120 patients in the hospital at the time of the fire, a doctor at the hospital said. The fire is believed to have been caused when at least one oxygen cylinder exploded inside the hospital, local media reported. At least two doctors at the scene confirmed they believed the oxygen cylinder had caused the flamed that raged in the second floor of the hospital. Also read: 5 dead in fire at India's Covid vaccine facility Iraq is in the midst of a severe COVID-19 wave. Daily coronavirus rates now average above 8,000 new cases, the highest since the pandemic broke out in the country last year. The government is urging the public to get vaccinated, but demand has been low due to widespread mistrust of the health care system and the vaccines in particular.  

Bangladesh Awami Swechchhasebak League will provide free oxygen service to the patients infected with coronavirus as lockdown is imposed due to the exacerbation of the Corona epidemic. The inauguration programme of the free oxygen service programme was held on Tuesday at the Kalabagan Sports Club premises. Presidium member of Bangladesh Awami League Public Leader Adv. Jahangir Kabir Nanak was present as the chief guest at the inaugural function. Read Indian capital gasps for oxygen Founding President of Swechchhasebak League agriculturist Bahauddin Nasim said, "We all need to protect ourselves from the corona by wearing masks and following hygiene rules." Saying Awami Swechchhasebak League  a humanitarian organization, he said the organisation  has been giving importance in humanitarian activities in addition to political activities sincd its birth. The Swechchhasebak League has earlier provided ten free ambulances and two freezing ambulances while it is providing 24-hour telemedicine services with 43 doctors. Read Why Shouldn’t You Store Oxygen Cylinder at Home During COVID-19 Pandemic? "These facilities will be further expanded if necessary. Today, the way the Awami Swechchhasebak League is standing by the people in danger through the free oxygen service is a great initiative. We welcome it on behalf Awami League," he added. The organisation informed that anyone calling 0961199777 hotline number will be provided free oxygen cylinder by Swechchhasebak League. President of the organization Nirmal Ranjan Guha presided while general secretary Afzalur Rahman Babu conducted the opening ceremony. Read 3 shops fined in Cumilla for selling oxygen cylinders at high price

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and death toll are increasing day by day. Too many cases have put a huge pressure on the health care system, leading to many patients dying without treatment. The hunt for medicine is still on. In the meantime, some people are choosing weird ways to deal with COVID-19 disease. Yes! we are talking about people buying Oxygen Cylinders and storing them at home or nearby places. Read this article to know: who requires Oxygen therapy; why storing Oxygen cylinder at home could be dangerous, and many other related facts.