Panaji, May 13 (IANS) The Goa state administration is expected to overcome logistical hurdles to ensure that lives are not lost due to oxygen shortage, the Bombay High Court on Thursday said. The HC bench in Goa also directed the central government "to ensure that the allotted quota is made available to the state at the earliest".

The Court, which is hearing a bunch of petitions which have alleged mismanagement in the state government efforts to tackle the pandemic, also said that its primary responsibility was to save lives at the moment.

"We also direct the Central Government to ensure that the allotted quota is made available to the State at the earliest," a division bench comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Mahesh Sonak said. A central government counsel had earlier informed the Court that the central government had increased allocation of oxygen to Goa.

Reacting to the series of deaths which have occurred at the Goa Medical College near Panaji due to oxygen shortage, the Court said it expects "the state administration to find out ways and means to overcome these logistical issues, so that, precious life is not lost on account of any deficiencies in the matter of supply of oxygen to the patients".

The Goa government had earlier informed the court that logistical issues, especially delay caused due to "manoeuvering the tractor which carries the trolleys of oxygen and in connecting the cylinders to the manifold".

"We were explained that during this process there was some interruption, which resulted in fall of pressure in the supply lines of oxygen to the patients. It was pointed out that it is basically on account of these factors some casualties may have taken place," the Court said in its order.

The Court also directed the state Health Secretary to file a status report by Friday evening by email.
"If we are satisfied with the status report, we will hold further proceedings on 17.05.2021.

However, if we are not satisfied with the status report or if we feel that any further directions are necessary, then, we make it clear that we will hold the proceedings on May 15 even though it is a Saturday," the Court said.

--IANS maya