Modi's Silence on Mamata Banerjee's Critical Letter on Medical Oxygen Allocation
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the significant increase in the state's medical oxygen consumption over the last week. The letter highlights the urgent need for additional medical oxygen supply to meet the state's daily requirements.
Increased Oxygen Consumption in West Bengal
West Bengal has witnessed a notable surge in the consumption of medical oxygen in the recent past. According to Mamata Banerjee, the daily consumption of medical oxygen in the state has risen from 470 MT to 550 MT over the past one week. This escalation is a direct result of the heightened needs due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in the region.
Voicing Concerns to Central Government
Recognizing the acute need for resources, the West Bengal government has reached out to the central government to address this pressing issue. Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the state's daily requirement for medical oxygen has increased to 550 MT. However, she expressed her concerns over the central government's decision to redirect a significant portion of the available medical oxygen supplies to other states, thereby leaving West Bengal's needs unmet.
Impact of Central Government's Allocation Policy
In her letter, Mamata Banerjee pointed out a concerning trend in the central government's allocation policies. Specifically, the central government has increased the allocation of medical oxygen to other states from 230 MT to 360 MT over the past 10 days while maintaining the daily allocation to West Bengal at 308 MT. This action has not only frustrated the West Bengal government but has also cast doubts on the efficiency and fairness of the central government's healthcare response measures.
Prime Minister's Silence and Public Pressure
Despite the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet responded to Mamata Banerjee's letter. The lack of a response from the prime minister has led to increased public scrutiny and calls for a more immediate and transparent resolution to the issue.
Call for Immediate Action
The West Bengal government and its leader Mamata Banerjee are urging the central government to take immediate and concrete steps to address the oxygen shortage. This issue is not only affecting the well-being of the residents of West Bengal but also poses a significant challenge to the overall containment efforts against the ongoing pandemic. The health and safety of the population are at stake, and public confidence in the government's response is waning.
Conclusion
The pressing need for medical oxygen in West Bengal highlights the complex challenges faced by the government in managing resources during a public health crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the response from the central government will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the pandemic and ensuring the well-being of the population. The public and political stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, expecting swift and decisive action from authorities.