India reports more than 300,000 daily cases as the head of the Serum Institute warns of a months-long vaccine shortfall.
Hospitals in India continued to send distress messages for emergency oxygen supplies and a top vaccine-maker warned a vaccine shortfall could last for several months, as the country’s coronavirus case count approached 20 million on Monday.
India reported 368,147 new infections over the previous 24 hours, taking the number of people who have suffered an infection so far to 19.93 million, government data showed, the second-highest in the world. India, in the grip of a devastating second wave, has logged more than 300,000 cases every day for more than 10 days. The overall death toll reached 218,959, with 3,417 more deaths reported.
Experts have said the numbers may be an underestimate, due to low testing rates and the number of people dying at home, particularly in rural areas.
The shortage of medical oxygen has also worsened. Twenty-eight patients died overnight, allegedly for want of the life-saving gas in hospitals in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh states, broadcaster NDTV reported. Officials did not confirm deaths due to oxygen shortages, but ordered a probe into the matter.
Leaders of 13 opposition parties urged the government to launch a free vaccination drive and ensure an uninterrupted flow of oxygen to all hospitals. ……….
Source: aljazeera.com
