District authorities in Agra have ordered an investigation after a video of the owner of a private hospital claiming to have cut off the oxygen supply to patients surfaced on April 26.
Dr. Arinjay Jain, the owner of Paras Hospital, is heard telling some people that the oxygen supply was cut for five minutes as part of a “mock drill” in a video tweeted by Livehindustan. On that day, twenty-two people may not have survived.
Dr. Jain, who is not visible in the video, is also heard saying that on that day, there was an acute shortage of oxygen, and the hospital administration asked people to get their patients discharged, but no one was ready. “Then I decided to try something out, sort of like a drill, and asked the staff to identify those whose oxygen supply could be cut off. That way, we’ll know who will perish and who will live. The mock drill took place at 7 a.m., and no one is aware of it “Dr. Jain stated
“Twenty-two patients started gasping for breath and their bodies began turning blue. We came to know that they will not survive. Seventy-four others who survived in the ICU ward were told to bring their own oxygen cylinders,” he added.
District magistrate Prabhu N Singh denied that 22 patients died that day. He said that on April 26 and 27, only seven patients died in Paras Hospital. “There was an oxygen shortage on these days, but it was augmented by diverting supply from Mathura refinery,” Singh was quoted
The district magistrate stated that they have taken cognizance of the video and that an investigation has begun, adding that those found guilty will face consequences.
Dr. RC Pandey, the hospital’s chief medical officer, also stated that seven patients died in the hospital during that time period. According to Dr. Pandey, the health department has launched an investigation.
