No shortage of oxygen, Remdesivir in J&K: Advisor to LG Bashir Khan

Srinagar, Apr 29 (UNI) Rejecting rumors that there is a shortage of oxygen, Remdesivir and other drugs required to treat COVID-19 patients in Kashmir, Advisor to Lt Governor Baseer Khan on Thursday said that some people with vested interest are creating artificial scarcity to generate panic in Kashmir.
“From last couple of days, particularly today, it has been brought to my notice that some people are projecting that there is scarcity of oxygen, Remdesivir and other drugs (to treat COVID-19 patients to create panic among masses. It is being projected that the COVID management system is weak and would not meet the demand. But, I want to make it clear that there is no truth in such rumours,” Mr Khan, who was flanked by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Director Health, Director SKIMS and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, told reporters in a late night press conference here on Thursday.
The Advisor to LG said that there is an availability of 20 tones of Oxygen which is sufficient to cater to the need of large number of patents then what required right now. “So, patients will not face any problem with regards to oxygen availability,” he said.
Mr Khan said the Union Territory of J&K has already placed an order of 1.25 crore COVID-19 vaccines, which is the highest in the country. “We have sufficient amount of Remdesivir available and where ever it is required, it is dispatched immediately,” he said.
“I have been visiting all the districts in Kashmir to personally check the availability and preparedness. Today I visited south Kashmir – Anantnag and Kulgam – I took details review of these districts and found that there is no scarcity of oxygen or any other medicine,” he added.
About Tocilizumab drug that is also being used to treat COVID-19 patients, he said order has already been places for the medicine and by tomorrow it will be available in ample quantity.
The Advisor to LG said that the J&K administration has one of the best COVID-19 management systems in place. “We are already working to enhance the capacity of our health system so that we can bear the brunt if the number of positive cases increases,” he said.
Mr Khan said that the administration has already setup helpline where people can contact and seek answers to their question. “People can contact the helpline numbers – 01942457552, 01942457543 and 600633308 – to seek any clarification. More oxygen plants are being setup in the valley,” he added.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, P K Pole said that Remdesivir is available sufficiently at S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), SMHS and other hospitals. “SKIMS with 100 Remdesivir doses per day have three days stock available, SHMS, GMC and associate hospitals with 150 doses per day requirement has two days of stock available,” he said.