Fresh probe into Chamarajanagar oxygen shortage deaths during Covid: Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

BENGALURU: The Congress government is planning to order a fresh investigation into the deaths at the Chamarajanagar district hospital due to alleged oxygen shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The previous government had ordered an investigation, but since it is not yet complete, we are ordering a fresh investigation”, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Friday. He said fresh tenders will be called for supply of medicines and for running of dialysis centres.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting with Health Department officials, the minister said tenders floated during the Covid pandemic will also be reexamined wherever necessary. Fresh tenders will be called for running the 108 ambulance service since GVK, the current operator, is facing allegations, he said.

During the meeting, the minister took the officials to task and said he will not tolerate deaths in hospitals. Wherever there are lapses, strict action should be taken, he warned. Dinesh Gundu Rao said no amount of political influence will work and said those resorting to using political influence will have to bear the consequences.

The minister also pointed out to a previous diabetes survey which said there were zero cases in Yadgir district. He warned the officials that such wrong information should not be provided to the government.