Oxygen Express trains have crossed the milestone of delivering 30,000 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen across the country, the railways said on Sunday.

The service was started in the wake of a severe second Covid wave and these trains had started deliveries on April 24 in Maharashtra with a load of 126 tonnes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-oxygen-plants-soon-to-come-up-in-gurugram-386750">11 oxygen plants soon to come up in Gurugram</a>

So far, the Indian Railways has delivered nearly 30,182 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) in more than 1,734 tankers to various states, the national transporter said.

While 421 Oxygen Express trains have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various states, two loaded trains with more than 177 tonnes of LMO in 10 tankers are on their way to their destinations, the railways said in a statement.

Oxygen Express trains have delivered more than 15,000 tonnes of LMO to southern states of the country, it said. 
These trains have delivered more than 3,600, 3,700 and 4,900 tonnes of LMO in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/daily-covid-19-count-in-india-remains-below-100000-mark-391132">Daily COVID-19 count in India remains below 1,00,000 mark</a>

The service has reached out to 15 states and union territories - Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam.

Till now, 614 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Maharashtra, nearly 3,797 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh, 656 tonnes in Madhya Pradesh, 5,722 tonnes in Delhi, 2,354 tonnes in Haryana, 98 tonnes in Rajasthan, and 3,782 tonnes in Karnataka, the statement said.

So far, 320 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Uttarakhand, 4,941 tonnes in Tamil Nadu, 3,664 tonnes in Andhra Pradesh, 225 tonnes in Punjab, 513 tonnes in Kerala, 2,972 tonnes in Telangana, 38 tonnes in Jharkhand and 480 tonnes in Assam, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-donate-10-litre-2000-oxygen-concentrators-to-help-indias-battle-against-covid-19-387054">BCCI to donate 10-litre 2000 oxygen concentrators to help India's battle against COVID-19</a>

Oxygen Express trains have offloaded LMO in around 39 cities or towns in 15 states.

Crisscrossing the country, Indian Railways is picking up oxygen from places like Hapa, Baroda, Mundra in the West and Rourkela, Durgapur, Tatanagar, Angul in the East and then delivering it to States of Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh &amp; Assam in complex operational route planning scenarios.&nbsp;

Oxygen Express trains have crossed the milestone of delivering 30,000 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen across the country, the railways said on Sunday. The service was started in the wake of a severe second Covid wave and these trains had started deliveries on April 24 in Maharashtra with a load of 126 tonnes.

Oxygen Express trains have crossed the milestone of delivering 30,000 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen across the country, the railways said on Sunday. The service was started in the wake of a severe second Covid wave and these trains had started deliveries on April 24 in Maharashtra with a load of 126 tonnes. Also read | 11 oxygen plants soon to come up in Gurugram So far, the Indian Railways has delivered nearly 30,182 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) in more than 1,734 tankers to various states, the national transporter said. While 421 Oxygen Express trains have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various states, two loaded trains with more than 177 tonnes of LMO in 10 tankers are on their way to their destinations, the railways said in a statement. Oxygen Express trains have delivered more than 15,000 tonnes of LMO to southern states of the country, it said. These trains have delivered more than 3,600, 3,700 and 4,900 tonnes of LMO in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu respectively. Also read | Daily COVID-19 count in India remains below 1,00,000 mark The service has reached out to 15 states and union territories - Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam. Till now, 614 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Maharashtra, nearly 3,797 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh, 656 tonnes in Madhya Pradesh, 5,722 tonnes in Delhi, 2,354 tonnes in Haryana, 98 tonnes in Rajasthan, and 3,782 tonnes in Karnataka, the statement said. So far, 320 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Uttarakhand, 4,941 tonnes in Tamil Nadu, 3,664 tonnes in Andhra Pradesh, 225 tonnes in Punjab, 513 tonnes in Kerala, 2,972 tonnes in Telangana, 38 tonnes in Jharkhand and 480 tonnes in Assam, it said. Also read | BCCI to donate 10-litre 2000 oxygen concentrators to help India's battle against COVID-19 Oxygen Express trains have offloaded LMO in around 39 cities or towns in 15 states. Crisscrossing the country, Indian Railways is picking up oxygen from places like Hapa, Baroda, Mundra in the West and Rourkela, Durgapur, Tatanagar, Angul in the East and then delivering it to States of Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh & Assam in complex operational route planning scenarios.

Oxygen Express: Over 30,000 tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen delivered

In India, people battled to breathe as oxygen demand shot up with the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases.

Last year, it had happened in the United States and Europe, and now, it is happening in many more countries that have been recording high death rates due to oxygen shortage.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-osaka-crumbles-under-rising-covid-19-cases-387373/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least 19 countries are suffering oxygen shortage including Argentina, Colombia, Iran, Nepal, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan, Costa Rica, and South Africa.

The list has been put together by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. It says that the situation in these countries has been exacerbated because of low vaccination rates.

In Nepal, the demand for oxygen has risen 100 times between March and May, and climbers have been asked to bring back their empty oxygen tanks from Mount Everest so that they could be refilled and used in hospitals.

In Sri Lanka, the demand for oxygen has risen seven times. In Pakistan, oxygen vendors have doubled their prices over the last month.

The crisis goes beyond South Asia. In Laos, there has been a 200-fold increase in demand for oxygen.

According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, there are at least 30 countries that currently need twice as much oxygen as they did in March. This list includes Fiji, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Angola and Kyrgyzstan.

Medical oxygen makes up for just 1 per cent of global liquid oxygen production. The remaining 99 per cent is used in industries for mining, petrochemicals, aeronautics and water treatment.

Over the last few months, countries have asked oxygen companies to divert their supplies to hospitals. Even if more countries follow suit, the ones most in need will still not have enough oxygen to cater to the needs of the hospitals.

Iraq's gas company, for example, can produce only a third of what the country's Covid patients need. In Colombia, it is less than 2/3rd and Peru only 80 per cent.

More countries are staring at a repeat of what happened in India - a sudden surge in cases, made worse by crippling shortages. In fact, something very similar is already playing out in Japan.

Osaka, Japan's second-largest city which is home to 9 million people, which is nearly 7 per cent of Japan's population, has a third of the country's Covid deaths.&nbsp;The Wuhan virus has spread rapidly in the city and there is a huge wave of new infections: nearly 4,000 every day. The young and the elderly are falling sick, with Osaka crumbling under the rising cases.&nbsp;The city's healthcare system has collapsed.

"Simply put, this is the collapse of the medical system. we cannot take in (patients)," Yuji Tohda, director at Kindai university hospital, said.

Osaka is running out of beds and ventilators with doctors burnt out. While the pressure on hospitals is high, the rate of hospitalisation is extremely low in Osaka, with just 14 per cent patients hospitalised.

The rest are all fending for themselves at home. In the capital city of Tokyo, the hospitalisation rate is 37 per cent. Rates lower than 25 per cent are grounds for imposing an emergency in Japan.

Commercial activities have already been restricted in Osaka, with emergency declared in eight other regions. The news has spread to countries on the other side of the globe. The United States has warned against travelling to Japan.

The new wave of infections in Japan comes months before the Tokyo Olympics, and those at the frontline are warning against holding the games.

At least 90,000 people are expected to arrive in Japan for the Olympics. Is this a disaster in the making?

In India, people battled to breathe as oxygen demand shot up with the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases. Last year, it had happened in the United States and Europe, and now, it is happening in many more countries that have been recording high death rates due to oxygen shortage.

In India, people battled to breathe as oxygen demand shot up with the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases. Last year, it had happened in the United States and Europe, and now, it is happening in many more countries that have been recording high death rates due to oxygen shortage. Watch: At least 19 countries are suffering oxygen shortage including Argentina, Colombia, Iran, Nepal, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan, Costa Rica, and South Africa. The list has been put together by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. It says that the situation in these countries has been exacerbated because of low vaccination rates. In Nepal, the demand for oxygen has risen 100 times between March and May, and climbers have been asked to bring back their empty oxygen tanks from Mount Everest so that they could be refilled and used in hospitals. In Sri Lanka, the demand for oxygen has risen seven times. In Pakistan, oxygen vendors have doubled their prices over the last month. The crisis goes beyond South Asia. In Laos, there has been a 200-fold increase in demand for oxygen. According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, there are at least 30 countries that currently need twice as much oxygen as they did in March. This list includes Fiji, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Angola and Kyrgyzstan. Medical oxygen makes up for just 1 per cent of global liquid oxygen production. The remaining 99 per cent is used in industries for mining, petrochemicals, aeronautics and water treatment. Over the last few months, countries have asked oxygen companies to divert their supplies to hospitals. Even if more countries follow suit, the ones most in need will still not have enough oxygen to cater to the needs of the hospitals. Iraq's gas company, for example, can produce only a third of what the country's Covid patients need. In Colombia, it is less than 2/3rd and Peru only 80 per cent. More countries are staring at a repeat of what happened in India - a sudden surge in cases, made worse by crippling shortages. In fact, something very similar is already playing out in Japan. Osaka, Japan's second-largest city which is home to 9 million people, which is nearly 7 per cent of Japan's population, has a third of the country's Covid deaths. The Wuhan virus has spread rapidly in the city and there is a huge wave of new infections: nearly 4,000 every day. The young and the elderly are falling sick, with Osaka crumbling under the rising cases. The city's healthcare system has collapsed. "Simply put, this is the collapse of the medical system. we cannot take in (patients)," Yuji Tohda, director at Kindai university hospital, said. Osaka is running out of beds and ventilators with doctors burnt out. While the pressure on hospitals is high, the rate of hospitalisation is extremely low in Osaka, with just 14 per cent patients hospitalised. The rest are all fending for themselves at home. In the capital city of Tokyo, the hospitalisation rate is 37 per cent. Rates lower than 25 per cent are grounds for imposing an emergency in Japan. Commercial activities have already been restricted in Osaka, with emergency declared in eight other regions. The news has spread to countries on the other side of the globe. The United States has warned against travelling to Japan. The new wave of infections in Japan comes months before the Tokyo Olympics, and those at the frontline are warning against holding the games. At least 90,000 people are expected to arrive in Japan for the Olympics. Is this a disaster in the making?

Countries suffer oxygen shortage amid COVID-19 crisis

Amidst the second wave of COVID-19, the Diving School of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has conceptualised and designed an Oxygen Recycling System (ORS) to alleviate the existing Oxygen shortages.

According to an official statement, the ORS has been designed by Lieutenant Commander Mayank Sharma of the Diving School. The system's design has been patented, and an application to this effect has been filed by the Indian Navy on May 13.

The Driving School has expertise in this area as the basic concept is used in some of the diving sets used by the school. Earlier, a similar idea on a miniaturised lab model was demonstrated to the Prime Minister during the Combined Commanders Conference at Kevadia on March 6.

According to a press release, the ORS is designed to extend the life of the existing medical oxygen cylinders two to four times, using the fact that only a small percentage of oxygen inhaled by a patient is actually absorbed by the lungs, the rest being exhaled into the atmosphere along with carbon dioxide produced by the body.

The first fully operational prototype of the ORS was produced on April 22 and underwent a series of in-house trials and design improvements at the Southern Naval Command, with third-party observers from ISO-certified firms.

Thereafter, on the directives of NITI Aayog, the system underwent detailed analysis and assessment by a team of specialists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) at Thiruvananthapuram. The team of specialists at SCTIMST found the concept and design of the Oxygen Recycling System feasible, and also suggested a few additional modifications.

The overall cost of the ORS prototype has been capped at Rs. 10,000 against an envisaged saving of Rs 3,000 per day due to the recycling of O2. Besides substantially enhancing the existing oxygen capacity in the country, the ORS can also be used to extend the life of oxygen cylinders used by mountaineers/ soldiers at High Altitude, for HADR operations and onboard naval ships and submarines.

Amidst the second wave of COVID-19, the Diving School of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has conceptualised and designed an Oxygen Recycling System (ORS) to alleviate the existing Oxygen shortages.

Amidst the second wave of COVID-19, the Diving School of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has conceptualised and designed an Oxygen Recycling System (ORS) to alleviate the existing Oxygen shortages. According to an official statement, the ORS has been designed by Lieutenant Commander Mayank Sharma of the Diving School. The system's design has been patented, and an application to this effect has been filed by the Indian Navy on May 13. The Driving School has expertise in this area as the basic concept is used in some of the diving sets used by the school. Earlier, a similar idea on a miniaturised lab model was demonstrated to the Prime Minister during the Combined Commanders Conference at Kevadia on March 6. According to a press release, the ORS is designed to extend the life of the existing medical oxygen cylinders two to four times, using the fact that only a small percentage of oxygen inhaled by a patient is actually absorbed by the lungs, the rest being exhaled into the atmosphere along with carbon dioxide produced by the body. The first fully operational prototype of the ORS was produced on April 22 and underwent a series of in-house trials and design improvements at the Southern Naval Command, with third-party observers from ISO-certified firms. Thereafter, on the directives of NITI Aayog, the system underwent detailed analysis and assessment by a team of specialists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) at Thiruvananthapuram. The team of specialists at SCTIMST found the concept and design of the Oxygen Recycling System feasible, and also suggested a few additional modifications. The overall cost of the ORS prototype has been capped at Rs. 10,000 against an envisaged saving of Rs 3,000 per day due to the recycling of O2. Besides substantially enhancing the existing oxygen capacity in the country, the ORS can also be used to extend the life of oxygen cylinders used by mountaineers/ soldiers at High Altitude, for HADR operations and onboard naval ships and submarines.

Indian Navy designs Oxygen Recycling System to mitigate current oxygen crisis

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">At a time when thousands of Covid patients in India are gasping for oxygen, a&nbsp;Kashmiri innovator has made a prototype of an oxygen concentrator.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Muhammad Ismail Mir from north Kashmir's Bandipora has been working on this for months and finally he says the prototype is ready. He is now waiting for an expert opinion and value addition to his innovation.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">''I made this oxygen concentrator as there is immense demand for it due to Covid. We need to pre-plan to deal with Covid and our preparations are not upto the mark. So I thought that when it's imported from China, it takes a lot of time and if some company starts making it here, I have made a prototype,"&nbsp;said Muhammad Ismail Mir, Innovator.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Mir says that his prototype is a cheaper version of what is available&nbsp;in the market. He says if given the&nbsp;go-ahead, it would be affordable and people who find concentrators in the&nbsp;market expensive would be able to buy it. It might cost around 15,000 Rupees.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">''I have made a similar prototype with same technology but this one is going to be very cheap so that it can be used in hospitals and homes also,'' said&nbsp;Muhammad Ismail Mir, the innovator.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Mir is a high school dropout. He left studies after his class 12 and since then he has been making new innovations. During the pandemic he has made a disinfectant tunnel, he also made a touchless sanitising machine and later went on to make a ventilator. </div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Although he says that the government has not helped him as much as he deserved. But his friends have decided to set up a lab worth 5 lack Rupees at his house.</div>

At a time when thousands of Covid patients in India are gasping for oxygen, a Kashmiri innovator has made a prototype of an oxygen concentrator. Muhammad Ismail Mir from north Kashmir's Bandipora has been working on this for months and finally he says the prototype is ready.

At a time when thousands of Covid patients in India are gasping for oxygen, a Kashmiri innovator has made a prototype of an oxygen concentrator. Muhammad Ismail Mir from north Kashmir's Bandipora has been working on this for months and finally he says the prototype is ready. He is now waiting for an expert opinion and value addition to his innovation. ''I made this oxygen concentrator as there is immense demand for it due to Covid. We need to pre-plan to deal with Covid and our preparations are not upto the mark. So I thought that when it's imported from China, it takes a lot of time and if some company starts making it here, I have made a prototype," said Muhammad Ismail Mir, Innovator. Mir says that his prototype is a cheaper version of what is available in the market. He says if given the go-ahead, it would be affordable and people who find concentrators in the market expensive would be able to buy it. It might cost around 15,000 Rupees. ''I have made a similar prototype with same technology but this one is going to be very cheap so that it can be used in hospitals and homes also,'' said Muhammad Ismail Mir, the innovator. Mir is a high school dropout. He left studies after his class 12 and since then he has been making new innovations. During the pandemic he has made a disinfectant tunnel, he also made a touchless sanitising machine and later went on to make a ventilator. Although he says that the government has not helped him as much as he deserved. But his friends have decided to set up a lab worth 5 lack Rupees at his house.

Kashmiri innovator makes oxygen concentrator prototype

Israel on Sunday night airlifted the third consignment of medical equipment to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-366161-new-cases-3754-deaths-in-24-hours-383994">India</a> including 1,300 oxygen concentrators and 400 respirators.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/india-to-receive-360-million-sputnik-jabs-by-march-2022-383908/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Israel has sent 60 tonnes of medical supplies, three oxygen generators, 1,710 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-42-countries-pitch-in-india-to-receive-100000-oxygen-cylinders-and-more-383792">oxygen</a> concentrators and 420 ventilators to India so far.&nbsp;

The medical had aid arrived in three different consignments on May 4, May 7 and May 9 via&nbsp;Indian Air Force(IAF) aircraft and a commercial flight.

Ambassador of Israel to India, Dr. Ron Malka said, “The state of Israel is happy to stand solidly side by side with India as a true friend and a strategic partner in this hour of need. In the last few days, we have successfully airlifted three different consignments of life-saving medical supplies to India."

"It includes 60 tonnes of advanced medical equipment and several oxygen concentrators. More consignments carrying further medical aid will arrive for the people of India in the coming days. The friendship between both countries is strong and collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis will only make it stronger,” the Israel ambassador added.

A task force was set up to gather support for Israel’s aid to India with several private entities, Israeli companies, NGOs and Israeli citizens coming together to contribute towards this aid.&nbsp;

During the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, India had mobilized to assist the country with the delivery of masks, gloves and raw materials for medications to Israel, and had also helped arrange the repatriation of Israeli citizens.

Israel on Sunday night airlifted the third consignment of medical equipment to India including 1,300 oxygen concentrators and 400 respirators. Watch: Israel has sent 60 tonnes of medical supplies, three oxygen generators, 1,710 oxygen concentrators and 420 ventilators to India so far.

Israel on Sunday night airlifted the third consignment of medical equipment to India including 1,300 oxygen concentrators and 400 respirators. Watch: Israel has sent 60 tonnes of medical supplies, three oxygen generators, 1,710 oxygen concentrators and 420 ventilators to India so far. The medical had aid arrived in three different consignments on May 4, May 7 and May 9 via Indian Air Force(IAF) aircraft and a commercial flight. Ambassador of Israel to India, Dr. Ron Malka said, “The state of Israel is happy to stand solidly side by side with India as a true friend and a strategic partner in this hour of need. In the last few days, we have successfully airlifted three different consignments of life-saving medical supplies to India." "It includes 60 tonnes of advanced medical equipment and several oxygen concentrators. More consignments carrying further medical aid will arrive for the people of India in the coming days. The friendship between both countries is strong and collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis will only make it stronger,” the Israel ambassador added. A task force was set up to gather support for Israel’s aid to India with several private entities, Israeli companies, NGOs and Israeli citizens coming together to contribute towards this aid. During the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, India had mobilized to assist the country with the delivery of masks, gloves and raw materials for medications to Israel, and had also helped arrange the repatriation of Israeli citizens.

Israel airlifts third consignment of oxygen concentrators, respirators to India

India has been facing shortages in its battle against coronavirus despite aid flowing in from all over the world.&nbsp;

For two weeks now, countries across the globe have been delivering assistance packages to India - oxygen concentrators, medicines, testing kits, masks and even ventilators.

However, patients have been dying in hospitals because of oxygen supplies. Social media is flooded with SOS calls for drugs and injections.

Indian courts have come down heavily on the political leadership. India's second wave has been relentless.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-shortages-continue-in-india-despite-foreign-aid-383077">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-shortages-continue-in-india-despite-foreign-aid-383077/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As the steep graph moves up, the shortages have cut deeper with hospitals and doctors stretched beyond limits.

A doctor in Delhi compared the situation to an earthquake. He said governments need to go beyond just supplying oxygen. The sudden onslaught of cases has left Indian hospitals gasping for breath.

Dozens of countries have pledged assistance to India.

Military planes filled with ventilators, oxygen supplies and anti-viral drugs have been rushed to New Delhi but the big question is whether the lifesaving consignments have reached&nbsp;those who need them.

Governments have been fighting for supplies in courts as&nbsp;judges have pulled up leaders.

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court asked the central government why it shouldn't be sued for contempt over the supply of oxygen.

The court said: "While we are going on with the hearing there are several hospitals and nursing homes saying they are not getting oxygen, where do you think all that oxygen is going if it's sufficient? are you living in ivory towers?"

On Wednesday, the matter reached India's Supreme Court.

The top court stayed the contempt order of the Delhi High Court. It asked the central government to present a plan to ensure Delhi gets its share of oxygen.&nbsp;

The court's observations were sharp: "Between the centre and state, putting officers in jail or hauling them up for contempt, the people of Delhi won't get oxygen".

Similar hearings took place at the Allahabad High Court.

The court took up the matter suo motu after the death of patients in Lucknow and Meerut due to the lack of oxygen.

The judges said those responsible for supplying oxygen to hospitals are committing a criminal act and it amounts to genocide.

Also, questions are being raised outside India.

Last week, the US State Department was asked if it was tracking the aid it had sent to India.

A reporter said there should be accountability for the "US taxpayers' money", Washington replied it was doing its best to make sure India's needs are taken care of during the crisis.

Some answers came from the government of India this week. It said a cell within the health ministry is responsible for coordinating the receipt and allocation of relief material with nearly four million items donated across 24 categories which&nbsp;have been sent to 38 healthcare facilities across India.

However, it's not enough. India has been adding more than 300,000 cases every day. It needs more supplies and fast.

Meanwhile, experts both in India and abroad have been making dire projections.

A team at the Indian Institute of Science said&nbsp;India could see more than 400,000 deaths by June, if cases continue to rise at the same pace.

Experts at the University of Washington predicted even worse - their model forecasts more than a million deaths by July, if the present surge is not crushed.

India has been facing shortages in its battle against coronavirus despite aid flowing in from all over the world. For two weeks now, countries across the globe have been delivering assistance packages to India - oxygen concentrators, medicines, testing kits, masks and even ventilators.

India has been facing shortages in its battle against coronavirus despite aid flowing in from all over the world. For two weeks now, countries across the globe have been delivering assistance packages to India - oxygen concentrators, medicines, testing kits, masks and even ventilators. However, patients have been dying in hospitals because of oxygen supplies. Social media is flooded with SOS calls for drugs and injections. Indian courts have come down heavily on the political leadership. India's second wave has been relentless. Watch | As the steep graph moves up, the shortages have cut deeper with hospitals and doctors stretched beyond limits. A doctor in Delhi compared the situation to an earthquake. He said governments need to go beyond just supplying oxygen. The sudden onslaught of cases has left Indian hospitals gasping for breath. Dozens of countries have pledged assistance to India. Military planes filled with ventilators, oxygen supplies and anti-viral drugs have been rushed to New Delhi but the big question is whether the lifesaving consignments have reached those who need them. Governments have been fighting for supplies in courts as judges have pulled up leaders. On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court asked the central government why it shouldn't be sued for contempt over the supply of oxygen. The court said: "While we are going on with the hearing there are several hospitals and nursing homes saying they are not getting oxygen, where do you think all that oxygen is going if it's sufficient? are you living in ivory towers?" On Wednesday, the matter reached India's Supreme Court. The top court stayed the contempt order of the Delhi High Court. It asked the central government to present a plan to ensure Delhi gets its share of oxygen. The court's observations were sharp: "Between the centre and state, putting officers in jail or hauling them up for contempt, the people of Delhi won't get oxygen". Similar hearings took place at the Allahabad High Court. The court took up the matter suo motu after the death of patients in Lucknow and Meerut due to the lack of oxygen. The judges said those responsible for supplying oxygen to hospitals are committing a criminal act and it amounts to genocide. Also, questions are being raised outside India. Last week, the US State Department was asked if it was tracking the aid it had sent to India. A reporter said there should be accountability for the "US taxpayers' money", Washington replied it was doing its best to make sure India's needs are taken care of during the crisis. Some answers came from the government of India this week. It said a cell within the health ministry is responsible for coordinating the receipt and allocation of relief material with nearly four million items donated across 24 categories which have been sent to 38 healthcare facilities across India. However, it's not enough. India has been adding more than 300,000 cases every day. It needs more supplies and fast. Meanwhile, experts both in India and abroad have been making dire projections. A team at the Indian Institute of Science said India could see more than 400,000 deaths by June, if cases continue to rise at the same pace. Experts at the University of Washington predicted even worse - their model forecasts more than a million deaths by July, if the present surge is not crushed.

Experts make dire projections amid second Covid wave as India faces medical shortages

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said.

The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-crisis-over-180-cryogenic-oxygen-containers-transported-by-indian-air-force-382829">COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force</a>

This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said.

"We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help.

The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accounts-for-46-per-cent-of-worlds-new-covid-19-cases-quarter-of-deaths-who-382992">India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO</a>

It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai.

The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3.

The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-patients-die-at-government-hospital-in-chennai-probe-ordered-382886">11 patients die at government hospital in Chennai, probe ordered</a>

It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients.

The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage".

"Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah.

"This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients,"&nbsp;Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said.

"Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital. The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the COVID-19 management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said. The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital. Also read | COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said. "We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help. The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT. Also read | India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai. The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3. The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved. Also read | 11 patients die at government hospital in Chennai, probe ordered It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients. The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage". "Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah. "This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said. "Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.

SC stays Delhi HC order on contempt proceedings against Centre's officials over oxygen supply

The New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi issued an SOS call for the need for an oxygen cylinder in India’s capital, on Sunday.

"@sosiyc @srinivasiyc Could you please help with the oxygen cylinder urgently at the New Zealand High Commission? Thank you," the tweet read, which was later deleted.
<img alt="New Zealand High Commission" data-caption="The deleted tweet of&amp;nbsp;New Zealand High Commission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="952422fe-58ec-43ba-9032-6ddd4ff71561" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20Zealand%20High%20Commission.jpg" />
However, the High Commission quickly followed that deleted tweet with another tweet explaining the reason behind the same. "We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry,"&nbsp;the high commission clarified.

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We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry.
— NZ in India (@NZinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NZinIndia/status/1388714299774754817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The IYC also claimed that the patient inside the high commission was "critically ill".

"Update- New Zealand high commission opened gates of the embassy and accepted cylinders," a follow-up tweet stated. "Also, they thanked the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOSIYC?src=hashtag_click">#SOSIYC</a> team for this quick relief as patient inside embassy was critically ill."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-row-over-sos-from-new-zealand-embassy-382297">Watch |</a>

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This caused a row of accusations on Twitter, with many alleging the tweet was deleted under pressure — but no proof was given to back these allegations.

It also coincided with another spat over a case of the Philippines Embassy, prompting an exchange of tweets between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Congress minister had accused the government of not helping the foreign embassies — a claim that was proved false by the EAM.

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MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR">https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1388700951012417537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling," Jaishankar clarified in a tweet. "Jairamji, MEA never sleeps; our people know across the world. MEA also never fakes; we know who does."

The New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi issued an SOS call for the need for an oxygen cylinder in India’s capital, on Sunday. "@sosiyc @srinivasiyc Could you please help with the oxygen cylinder urgently at the New Zealand High Commission?

The New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi issued an SOS call for the need for an oxygen cylinder in India’s capital, on Sunday. "@sosiyc @srinivasiyc Could you please help with the oxygen cylinder urgently at the New Zealand High Commission? Thank you," the tweet read, which was later deleted. However, the High Commission quickly followed that deleted tweet with another tweet explaining the reason behind the same. "We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry," the high commission clarified. We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry. — NZ in India (@NZinIndia) May 2, 2021 × The IYC also claimed that the patient inside the high commission was "critically ill". "Update- New Zealand high commission opened gates of the embassy and accepted cylinders," a follow-up tweet stated. "Also, they thanked the #SOSIYC team for this quick relief as patient inside embassy was critically ill." Watch | This caused a row of accusations on Twitter, with many alleging the tweet was deleted under pressure — but no proof was given to back these allegations. It also coincided with another spat over a case of the Philippines Embassy, prompting an exchange of tweets between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Congress minister had accused the government of not helping the foreign embassies — a claim that was proved false by the EAM. MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. @Jairam_Ramesh https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 2, 2021 × "MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling," Jaishankar clarified in a tweet. "Jairamji, MEA never sleeps; our people know across the world. MEA also never fakes; we know who does."

India: Row over New Zealand High Commission's request of oxygen cylinder

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A whole host of countries have come in India's support as it battles the Covid crisis. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Indian missions globally are doing the heavy lifting while many private Indian players are also pitching in. India's allies like the the US, UAE, UK, France and others have come in full support of New Delhi.

Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Singapore 
Four Oxygen containers brought by Indian Air Force on Saturday. 7,511 O2 concentrators, 516 BiPAP machines to be sent by the country, of which 500 BiPAPs, 250 oxygen concentrators have already been brought. Singapore's embassy in a tweet said, "we will fight this together".

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Dear friends in India—we will fight this together! We are working closely with <a href="https://twitter.com/Temasek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Temasek</a> and other partners to send 7,511 O2 concentrator, 516 BiPAP machines, &amp; other supplies ASAP. 🇸🇬🤝🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SingaporeWithIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SingaporeWithIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/9ymUBJp0A2">https://t.co/9ymUBJp0A2</a>
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGinIndia/status/1386558201886244867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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United Arab Emirates&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Indian Air Force flew in seven empty cryogenic oxygen containers from the West Asian country. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday, expressing his solidarity with India. Jaishankar tweeted, "As always, deeply value good wishes and international cooperation."

Well-known buildings in UAE like the Burj Khalifa, ADNOC &nbsp;were lit up in colours of the Indian flag with the message #staystrongIndia.&nbsp;

Britain 
UK announced it will send 600 pieces, which include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices, to India. The first batch will reach on Tuesday morning. Nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, which can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators will reach India this week. UK prime minister, foreign and health secretaries, and ambassador made public comments in solidarity with the people of India. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said,“We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19."

United States

The US has agreed to provide the specific raw materials for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers. The development comes after the Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other.

US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits, oxygen generators, and deploy an expert team of health advisors from CDC and USAID.

Already, more than 300 O2 concentrators have been brought by Air India from New York. Tweets by the US president, vice president, defence secretary, &nbsp;surgeon general, deputy secretary of the state showed support for India.

President Joe Biden tweeted, "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need."

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Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. <a href="https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y">https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1386401947729633280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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France 
The French presidency has said that the country will provide India "significant" oxygen support and is working on the delivery of high-performance oxygen generator units as well as some other equipment.&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron was the first world leader to send a message of public solidarity. He said, "I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support."

European Union

European Union, over the weekend, activated its "civil protection mechanism" to help India. Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, in a tweet said, "EU will do its utmost to mobilize assistance to support people of India". 
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Upon request for assistance by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, we have activated the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EU</a> Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
The 🇪🇺 will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of 🇮🇳. 
 
Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ERCC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ERCC</a> is already coordinating EU MS that are ready to provide urgently needed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oxygen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oxygen</a> &amp; medicine rapidly.
— Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanezLenarcic/status/1386270858688270336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded him saying, "EU is pooling resources".&nbsp;The matter came up during a discussion between Margrethe Vestager Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Jaishankar.

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Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. 
 
The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! <a href="https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3">https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1386292464277852162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Denmark 
The Nordic country is extending support to India. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane told&nbsp;WION,"We are working closely with MEA [Ministry of External Affairs] to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about".

Germany&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that Germany&nbsp;is preparing urgent support for India. German armed forces will give India oxygen generators. Smaller units from the German private sector will also be sent. Cooperation between German top medical institute Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with Indian institutions to support&nbsp; sequencing of viral loads is on the anvil. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported.

Saudi Arabia 
80 metric tonnes of oxygen have been procured from the country in cooperation with Adani and Linde and the Indian high commission.

China 
The country has offered to provide assistance. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Delhi told WION that "talks and discussions are ongoing" with the Indian side.

Hong Kong 
800 oxygen concentrators were airlifted for SpiceHealth, a healthcare company founded by the promoters of SpiceJet.

Pakistan 
Has offered to provide relief support to India including ventilators, Bi PAP, digital X-ray machines, PPEs and related items. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister SM Qureshi extended support to India.&nbsp;The country's well-known NGO Edhi Foundation has written to PM Modi and has offered to send ambulances. Spontaneous support by Pakistani society, especially on social media, was seen with a lot of positive trends.

Iran 
Iran Health Minister Dr Saeed Namaki wrote to the Indian Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic."

Japan 
Under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic during a call on Monday.

Russia 
Support has been offered by Russia. It is cosidering sending the drug Remdesivir to India for Covid patients.Australia 
Australian cabinet is likely to announce support for India.&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a tweet said, "Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is @narendramodi and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge."

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Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1385738966595297280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Canada 
The country has offered to send assistance.&nbsp;Marc Garneau, Canada's foreign minister, tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need."&nbsp;

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Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need.
— Marc Garneau (@MarcGarneau) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcGarneau/status/1386490684950126593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Afghanistan 
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. The Afghan president tweeted, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people &amp; government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people &amp; government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones &amp; wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus."

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Our hearts go out to the Indian people &amp; government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people &amp; government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones &amp; wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1386292558024691715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bhutan 
Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji tweeted, "Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery."

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Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery. <a href="https://twitter.com/GovtOfIndia_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovtOfIndia_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RuchiraKamboj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RuchiraKamboj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/govind?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@govind</a>
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan/status/1385817210208153602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There was show of support from several other countries such as&nbsp;Mexico and Slovenia.&nbsp; 
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A whole host of countries have come in India's support as it battles the Covid crisis. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country.

A whole host of countries have come in India's support as it battles the Covid crisis. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Indian missions globally are doing the heavy lifting while many private Indian players are also pitching in. India's allies like the the US, UAE, UK, France and others have come in full support of New Delhi. Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India. Singapore Four Oxygen containers brought by Indian Air Force on Saturday. 7,511 O2 concentrators, 516 BiPAP machines to be sent by the country, of which 500 BiPAPs, 250 oxygen concentrators have already been brought. Singapore's embassy in a tweet said, "we will fight this together". Dear friends in India—we will fight this together! We are working closely with @Temasek and other partners to send 7,511 O2 concentrator, 516 BiPAP machines, & other supplies ASAP. 🇸🇬🤝🇮🇳 #IndiaFightsCorona #SingaporeWithIndia https://t.co/9ymUBJp0A2 — Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) April 26, 2021 × United Arab Emirates Indian Air Force flew in seven empty cryogenic oxygen containers from the West Asian country. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday, expressing his solidarity with India. Jaishankar tweeted, "As always, deeply value good wishes and international cooperation." Well-known buildings in UAE like the Burj Khalifa, ADNOC were lit up in colours of the Indian flag with the message #staystrongIndia. Britain UK announced it will send 600 pieces, which include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices, to India. The first batch will reach on Tuesday morning. Nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, which can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators will reach India this week. UK prime minister, foreign and health secretaries, and ambassador made public comments in solidarity with the people of India. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said,“We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19." United States The US has agreed to provide the specific raw materials for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers. The development comes after the Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits, oxygen generators, and deploy an expert team of health advisors from CDC and USAID. Already, more than 300 O2 concentrators have been brought by Air India from New York. Tweets by the US president, vice president, defence secretary, surgeon general, deputy secretary of the state showed support for India. President Joe Biden tweeted, "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need." Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y — President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021 × France The French presidency has said that the country will provide India "significant" oxygen support and is working on the delivery of high-performance oxygen generator units as well as some other equipment. President Emmanuel Macron was the first world leader to send a message of public solidarity. He said, "I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support." European Union European Union, over the weekend, activated its "civil protection mechanism" to help India. Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, in a tweet said, "EU will do its utmost to mobilize assistance to support people of India". Upon request for assistance by #India, we have activated the #EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The 🇪🇺 will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of 🇮🇳. Our #ERCC is already coordinating EU MS that are ready to provide urgently needed #oxygen & medicine rapidly. — Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) April 25, 2021 × President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded him saying, "EU is pooling resources". The matter came up during a discussion between Margrethe Vestager Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Jaishankar. Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2021 × Denmark The Nordic country is extending support to India. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane told WION,"We are working closely with MEA [Ministry of External Affairs] to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about". Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that Germany is preparing urgent support for India. German armed forces will give India oxygen generators. Smaller units from the German private sector will also be sent. Cooperation between German top medical institute Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with Indian institutions to support sequencing of viral loads is on the anvil. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. Saudi Arabia 80 metric tonnes of oxygen have been procured from the country in cooperation with Adani and Linde and the Indian high commission. China The country has offered to provide assistance. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Delhi told WION that "talks and discussions are ongoing" with the Indian side. Hong Kong 800 oxygen concentrators were airlifted for SpiceHealth, a healthcare company founded by the promoters of SpiceJet. Pakistan Has offered to provide relief support to India including ventilators, Bi PAP, digital X-ray machines, PPEs and related items. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister SM Qureshi extended support to India. The country's well-known NGO Edhi Foundation has written to PM Modi and has offered to send ambulances. Spontaneous support by Pakistani society, especially on social media, was seen with a lot of positive trends. Iran Iran Health Minister Dr Saeed Namaki wrote to the Indian Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic." Japan Under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic during a call on Monday. Russia Support has been offered by Russia. It is cosidering sending the drug Remdesivir to India for Covid patients.Australia Australian cabinet is likely to announce support for India. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a tweet said, "Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is @narendramodi and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge." Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is. @narendramodi and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 23, 2021 × Canada The country has offered to send assistance. Marc Garneau, Canada's foreign minister, tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need." Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need. — Marc Garneau (@MarcGarneau) April 26, 2021 × Afghanistan Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. The Afghan president tweeted, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people & government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people & government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones & wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus." Our hearts go out to the Indian people & government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people & government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones & wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) April 25, 2021 × Bhutan Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji tweeted, "Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery." Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery. @GovtOfIndia_ @DrSJaishankar @RuchiraKamboj @govind — ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) April 24, 2021 × There was show of support from several other countries such as Mexico and Slovenia.

International community extends support to India amid Covid crisis

Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane."We stand with India in its fight against Covid-19.

"Through a bilateral and multi-agency effort, an @IAF_MCC transport plane picked up 4 cryogenic oxygen containers at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning," the Singapore embassy in India tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis ">Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis</a>

On Friday, the Defence Ministry informed that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being airlifted from Germany. These will be deployed in Armed Forces Medical Sciences (AFMS) hospitals catering to COVID patients. These oxygen-generating plants are expected within a week, the ministry said.

Amid the record rise in COVID-19 cases, leaders from around the world have expressed their support to India. Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed their solidarity with the people of India.

India on Saturday recorded 3,46,786 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 </a>cases, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the official data issued by the government, the country recorded 2,624 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

So far, 1,66,10,481 COVID-19 cases have been reported in India while 1,89,544 people have succumbed to the viral infection. Currently, there are 25,52,940 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of COVID-19 across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane.

Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of COVID-19 across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane."We stand with India in its fight against Covid-19. "Through a bilateral and multi-agency effort, an @IAF_MCC transport plane picked up 4 cryogenic oxygen containers at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning," the Singapore embassy in India tweeted. Also read | Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis On Friday, the Defence Ministry informed that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being airlifted from Germany. These will be deployed in Armed Forces Medical Sciences (AFMS) hospitals catering to COVID patients. These oxygen-generating plants are expected within a week, the ministry said. Amid the record rise in COVID-19 cases, leaders from around the world have expressed their support to India. Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed their solidarity with the people of India. India on Saturday recorded 3,46,786 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the official data issued by the government, the country recorded 2,624 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. So far, 1,66,10,481 COVID-19 cases have been reported in India while 1,89,544 people have succumbed to the viral infection. Currently, there are 25,52,940 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

COVID-19: Indian Air Force transports four cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore

Foreseeing higher demand for medical oxygen, as active COVID-19 cases in the state near the 100,000 mark, the Tamil Nadu government is gearing up to meet the requirements.

The state government has said that oxygen manufacturing industries have been instructed to explore methods to increase production.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-month-pregnant-nurse-earns-praise-for-helping-covid-patients-379880" hreflang="en">Four month pregnant nurse earns praise for helping Covid patients</a>

To ensure smooth logistics, tankers carrying medical oxygen would be provided a Green Corridor along with Police Patrol, as necessary.

Authorities also emphasised the round-the-clock helpline number ’104’, which hospitals/nursing homes can dial when faced with a shortage of medical oxygen. This helpline is established under the State Drug Controller.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indian-air-force-transports-four-cryogenic-oxygen-containers-from-singapore-379855" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Indian Air Force transports four cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore</a>

As the shortage of medical oxygen is affecting the treatment being offered to patients and hindering the smooth functioning of hospitals in several parts of the country, India is importing medical oxygen and related equipment for friendly foreign countries.

Amid the shortfall, the Vedanta-owned Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin has also made an offer of providing 1050 tonnes of medical oxygen.&nbsp;

Following a state government order and litigation the Apex court, the Sterlite Copper Smelter has been sealed and the decision on granting permission for oxygen production is being deliberated in the court. Experts believe it would take a little over a week for the plant to be ready for functioning and start oxygen production.&nbsp;

Foreseeing higher demand for medical oxygen, as active COVID-19 cases in the state near the 100,000 mark, the Tamil Nadu government is gearing up to meet the requirements.

Foreseeing higher demand for medical oxygen, as active COVID-19 cases in the state near the 100,000 mark, the Tamil Nadu government is gearing up to meet the requirements. The state government has said that oxygen manufacturing industries have been instructed to explore methods to increase production. Also read | Four month pregnant nurse earns praise for helping Covid patients To ensure smooth logistics, tankers carrying medical oxygen would be provided a Green Corridor along with Police Patrol, as necessary. Authorities also emphasised the round-the-clock helpline number ’104’, which hospitals/nursing homes can dial when faced with a shortage of medical oxygen. This helpline is established under the State Drug Controller. Also read | COVID-19: Indian Air Force transports four cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore As the shortage of medical oxygen is affecting the treatment being offered to patients and hindering the smooth functioning of hospitals in several parts of the country, India is importing medical oxygen and related equipment for friendly foreign countries. Amid the shortfall, the Vedanta-owned Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin has also made an offer of providing 1050 tonnes of medical oxygen. Following a state government order and litigation the Apex court, the Sterlite Copper Smelter has been sealed and the decision on granting permission for oxygen production is being deliberated in the court. Experts believe it would take a little over a week for the plant to be ready for functioning and start oxygen production.

TN govt to hospitals: Dial 104 for help, when in need of medical oxygen