Gorakhpur tragedy: Modi Chemical Pvt Ltd supplies 200 oxygen cylinders to BRD Medical College

In a heart wrenching incident in which at least 64 children have died over the last five days at the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College and Hospital after supply of oxygen cylinders to the hospital was disrupted. Following this a private company has provided over 200 cylinders despite having no contract or tender with the hospital.

Earlier, Modi Chemical Private Limited used to supply oxygen cylinders to the hospital and its contract with the company ended in March.

"When we came to know about the shortage of oxygen and the deaths following it, we supplied around 200-300 cylinders to the hospital out of humanity," Praveen Modi told ANI.

UP: Oxygen cylinders being brought to #Gorakhpur's BRD Medical College pic.twitter.com/4NRHHm2HSc

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 12, 2017

However, the hospital still owes Rs. 20 lakh to the company.

"In March, the medical college administration has stopped dealing with me and had given the tender to an Allahabad company," he added.
It is being said that oxygen supply was disrupted by the provider because of non-payment of dues worth Rs. 69 lakhs despite several reminders.

According to the sources, technicians had informed hospital authorities about the shortage of oxygen but it fell on deaf ears.

The incident put a big question mark on the state BJP government as the hospital is in chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s constituency and he even visited the hospital just two days ago to review its functioning. But despite his visit, no adequate majors were taken to ensure the safety of children.

The state govt has blamed the hospital for the negligence and said a thorough probe has been ordered into the incident. Meanwhile, district officials have reached the hospital to investigate the matter.

Also Read:  Gorakhpur: 32 children die in BRD hospital due to oxygen disruption

Gorakhpur DM Rajeev Rautela said that the cause of the deaths at the BRD Hospital was the disruption in the supply of liquid oxygen and further appealed to the suppliers to not cut the supply henceforth.

Following this report, the Uttar Pradesh Government jumped in defence of the medical college, while also assuring that the District Magistrate has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and the report will be out in 24 hours.

The procured data also shows the number of oxygen cylinders sent for refilling each day, showing a clear shortage of liquid oxygen in the hospital. 

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 12, 2017

Also Read: Gorakhpur tragedy: 1 more child dies at BRD Hospital, toll 64

With Inputs from ANI