Myanmar is facing a rapid rise in COVID-19 infections amid a shortage in oxygen supplies. The situation comes as the country is consumed by a bitter and violent political struggle since the military seized power in February after ousting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

COVID-19 infections rise at an alarming rate in Myanmar

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

India was not an exception. Several countries are running out of oxygen. They are staring at high death rates because of slow vaccination and oxygen shortage. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Osaka crumbles under rising COVID-19 cases

Hospitals in Nepal are running out of oxygen and beds amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. Many hospitals have started turning down patients. In its notice, the hospital also acknowledged Municipality, Police and Health Ministry about the cause for turning away the patients.

Nepal's hospitals run out of oxygen & beds, turn away COVID-19 patients

In its notice, the hospital also acknowledged Municipality, Police and Health Ministry about the cause for turning away the patients.

Hospitals in Nepal run short of oxygen, turn away COVID-19 patients

India on Monday received shipment of oxygen production plant and twenty ventilators from Italy amid the pandemic in the country which has hit the country hard with the shortage of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/natco-gets-cdsco-nod-for-emergency-use-of-baricitinib-tablets-for-covid-19-treatment-382479"> oxygen</a> equipment in the country.

Watch:

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"We value the support from our important EU partner, Italy. Will help augment our oxygen capacities," India's external affairs ministry said in a statement, adding, "taking forward our warm and multifaceted relationship."

Earlier, the fourth consignment of medical supplies containing 60 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/worst-is-yet-to-come-says-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-on-indias-covid-crisis-382532">ventilators</a> had arrived from the UK as the external affairs ministry thanked the "strategic partner and friend for the support."

The Indian Air Force&nbsp;(IAF) had said on Sunday that C-17s have airlifted four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-entry-in-punjab-without-negative-covid-19-test-or-vaccination-certificate-382418">cryogenic</a> oxygen containers from Frankfurt in Germany to Hindon airbase in Delhi including 450 oxygen cylinders from Brize Norton in the UK to the Chennai airbase in Tamil Nadu.

On Sunday, a flight carrying 125,000 vials of antiviral drug Remdesivir had arrived at Delhi airport from the United States.

The US embassy in New Delhi in a statement said: "The American people stand united with India in the fight against COVID-19. Today, 125,000 vials of the antiviral drug Remdesivir arrived from the US -the fourth relief shipment- and there are more life-saving supplies on the way."

In a statement, Janez Lenarčič, said: "I am proud to say EU member states are providing further substantial help in a Team Europe effort to show our solidarity with our Indian friends."

"Collective action is the only solution if we want to win our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.

The ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan, Ugo Astuto had said earlier that "more aeroplanes have arrived from France, Germany &amp; Belgium with urgently needed oxygen, equipment and&nbsp;medicines. Team Europe is pooling resources &amp; mobilizing support in solidarity with India."

Medical supplies had also arrived from Germany, Romania, Belgium and France through the EUCivPro mechanism.&nbsp;

India on Monday received shipment of oxygen production plant and twenty ventilators from Italy amid the pandemic in the country which has hit the country hard with the shortage of oxygen equipment in the country.

India on Monday received shipment of oxygen production plant and twenty ventilators from Italy amid the pandemic in the country which has hit the country hard with the shortage of oxygen equipment in the country. Watch: "We value the support from our important EU partner, Italy. Will help augment our oxygen capacities," India's external affairs ministry said in a statement, adding, "taking forward our warm and multifaceted relationship." Earlier, the fourth consignment of medical supplies containing 60 ventilators had arrived from the UK as the external affairs ministry thanked the "strategic partner and friend for the support." The Indian Air Force (IAF) had said on Sunday that C-17s have airlifted four cryogenic oxygen containers from Frankfurt in Germany to Hindon airbase in Delhi including 450 oxygen cylinders from Brize Norton in the UK to the Chennai airbase in Tamil Nadu. On Sunday, a flight carrying 125,000 vials of antiviral drug Remdesivir had arrived at Delhi airport from the United States. The US embassy in New Delhi in a statement said: "The American people stand united with India in the fight against COVID-19. Today, 125,000 vials of the antiviral drug Remdesivir arrived from the US -the fourth relief shipment- and there are more life-saving supplies on the way." In a statement, Janez Lenarčič, said: "I am proud to say EU member states are providing further substantial help in a Team Europe effort to show our solidarity with our Indian friends." "Collective action is the only solution if we want to win our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," he added. The ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan, Ugo Astuto had said earlier that "more aeroplanes have arrived from France, Germany & Belgium with urgently needed oxygen, equipment and medicines. Team Europe is pooling resources & mobilizing support in solidarity with India." Medical supplies had also arrived from Germany, Romania, Belgium and France through the EUCivPro mechanism.

Covid aid to India: Oxygen production plant, 20 ventilators arrive from Italy

India&nbsp;recorded the&nbsp;world's highest daily tally of 3,32,730&nbsp;COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours on Thursday.

The previous&nbsp;record&nbsp;rise in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;was in the United States, which had 297,430 new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;on one day in January, though its infection rate has since fallen sharply.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-made-in-india-vaccine-neutralises-deadly-mutations-379131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the&nbsp;Ministry of Health&nbsp;and&nbsp;Family Welfare,&nbsp;2,263&nbsp;people died in the space of a day, taking&nbsp;India's cumulative toll to&nbsp;1,86,920. Meanwhile,&nbsp;1,93,279 people were discharged from the hospital in a single day.

With&nbsp;13,54,78,420 people being vaccinated in the world's largest inoculation drive,&nbsp;1,36,48,159 have recovered from the novel virus.

New, more infectious variants of the virus, in particular a "double mutant" variant that originated in&nbsp;India, have helped accelerate the surge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government ordered an extensive lockdown in the early stages of the pandemic.

This week, Modi urged state governments to use lockdowns as a last resort. He asked people to stay indoors and said the government was working to expand&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;and vaccine supplies. He cancelled a visit to West Bengal scheduled for Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded the world's highest daily tally of 3,32,730 COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours on Thursday. The previous record rise in cases was in the United States, which had 297,430 new cases on one day in January, though its infection rate has since fallen sharply.

India recorded the world's highest daily tally of 3,32,730 COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours on Thursday. The previous record rise in cases was in the United States, which had 297,430 new cases on one day in January, though its infection rate has since fallen sharply. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2,263 people died in the space of a day, taking India's cumulative toll to 1,86,920. Meanwhile, 1,93,279 people were discharged from the hospital in a single day. With 13,54,78,420 people being vaccinated in the world's largest inoculation drive, 1,36,48,159 have recovered from the novel virus. New, more infectious variants of the virus, in particular a "double mutant" variant that originated in India, have helped accelerate the surge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government ordered an extensive lockdown in the early stages of the pandemic. This week, Modi urged state governments to use lockdowns as a last resort. He asked people to stay indoors and said the government was working to expand oxygen and vaccine supplies. He cancelled a visit to West Bengal scheduled for Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

India posts world record COVID-19 cases with 3,32,730 infections

Chairing a high-level meeting to review oxygen supply across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked top officials to work rapidly on increasing its production, boosting the speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities.

PM also said that states must act against any hoarding of oxygen and directed officials to ensure that the oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner and called for fixing responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction.

In the meeting that also discussed ways and means to boost oxygen availability amid demands from many states for an increase in its supply, Modi was told that the supply of life-saving gas to states has been steadily increasing.

Against the present demand from 20 states of 6,785 MT/day of liquid medical oxygen, the Centre has from April 21 allocated 6,822 MT/day to these states, a statement said.

It was noted that in the last few days, the availability of liquid medical oxygen has been increased by about 3,300 MT/day with contributions from private and public steel plants, industries, oxygen manufacturers as well as through prohibition of supply of oxygen for non-essential industries.

Modi said states should come down heavily on hoarding and stressed the need to ensure faster transportation of oxygen.

The statement said railways is being used for rapid and non-stop long-distance transport of tankers. The first rake has reached from Mumbai to Vizag to transport 105 MT of liquid medical oxygen. Similarly, empty oxygen tankers are also being air-lifted to oxygen suppliers to reduce one-way journey time in oxygen supply.

The prime minister was informed that an elaborate exercise is being done in coordination with states to find their oxygen demand and ensure adequate supply accordingly, the statement said.

Top officials representing various ministries informed Modi that they are working together with the states to operationalize the sanctioned PSA oxygen plants as soon as possible.

"PM directed the officials to ensure that oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner. He spoke about the need to fix responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction. He also asked ministries to explore various innovative ways to increase production &amp; supply of oxygen," it said.

Various measures are being undertaken to rapidly increase the availability of cryogenic tankers through conversion of nitrogen and argon tankers, import and airlifting of tankers as well as manufacturing them, it added.

Representatives from the medical community also spoke about the need for judicious use of oxygen and how an audit in some states has decreased oxygen demand without affecting the condition of patients.

The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Home Secretary, Health Secretary and officials from the Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry, Ministry of Road Transport, Pharmaceuticals and NITI Aayog.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review oxygen supply across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked top officials to work rapidly on increasing its production, boosting the speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review oxygen supply across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked top officials to work rapidly on increasing its production, boosting the speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities. PM also said that states must act against any hoarding of oxygen and directed officials to ensure that the oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner and called for fixing responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction. In the meeting that also discussed ways and means to boost oxygen availability amid demands from many states for an increase in its supply, Modi was told that the supply of life-saving gas to states has been steadily increasing. Against the present demand from 20 states of 6,785 MT/day of liquid medical oxygen, the Centre has from April 21 allocated 6,822 MT/day to these states, a statement said. It was noted that in the last few days, the availability of liquid medical oxygen has been increased by about 3,300 MT/day with contributions from private and public steel plants, industries, oxygen manufacturers as well as through prohibition of supply of oxygen for non-essential industries. Modi said states should come down heavily on hoarding and stressed the need to ensure faster transportation of oxygen. The statement said railways is being used for rapid and non-stop long-distance transport of tankers. The first rake has reached from Mumbai to Vizag to transport 105 MT of liquid medical oxygen. Similarly, empty oxygen tankers are also being air-lifted to oxygen suppliers to reduce one-way journey time in oxygen supply. The prime minister was informed that an elaborate exercise is being done in coordination with states to find their oxygen demand and ensure adequate supply accordingly, the statement said. Top officials representing various ministries informed Modi that they are working together with the states to operationalize the sanctioned PSA oxygen plants as soon as possible. "PM directed the officials to ensure that oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner. He spoke about the need to fix responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction. He also asked ministries to explore various innovative ways to increase production & supply of oxygen," it said. Various measures are being undertaken to rapidly increase the availability of cryogenic tankers through conversion of nitrogen and argon tankers, import and airlifting of tankers as well as manufacturing them, it added. Representatives from the medical community also spoke about the need for judicious use of oxygen and how an audit in some states has decreased oxygen demand without affecting the condition of patients. The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Home Secretary, Health Secretary and officials from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Road Transport, Pharmaceuticals and NITI Aayog.

COVID-19: Indian PM chairs high-level meet on oxygen supply, availability

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
The Central government is also planning to press the Indian Air Force (IAF) into airlifting oxygen containers and equipment from other nations. 
 
"The deliberations are still on," said a source, adding that the places from where these containers and other equipment could be airlifted have been identified. 
 
The source said that the problem India is facing in importing oxygen is transportation due to an acute shortage of containers to carry the life saving gas. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders in this matter. 
 
With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting India hard, the Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the National Capital Region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines. 
 
The IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic. 
 
Sources said that the IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital in Delhi. 
 
The force has also airlifted oxygen containers from the DRDO in Bengaluru for the Covid centres in Delhi. 
 
On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had directed all the defence establishments to set up more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis. 
 
A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the minister. 
 
The DRDO had stated that it has set up a Covid hospital in Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then to 1,000, if required. 
 
Rajnath Singh had instructed that more fully functional Covid hospitals should be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also at other places where they are required. 
 
He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to a Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on at a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. 
 
There were also discussions on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they are willing to volunteer. 
 
The minister had also suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Central government is also planning to press the Indian Air Force (IAF) into airlifting oxygen containers and equipment from other nations. "The deliberations are still on," said a source, adding that the places from where these containers and other equipment could be airlifted have been identified. The source said that the problem India is facing in importing oxygen is transportation due to an acute shortage of containers to carry the life saving gas. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders in this matter. With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting India hard, the Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the National Capital Region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines. The IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic. Sources said that the IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital in Delhi. The force has also airlifted oxygen containers from the DRDO in Bengaluru for the Covid centres in Delhi. On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had directed all the defence establishments to set up more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis. A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the minister. The DRDO had stated that it has set up a Covid hospital in Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then to 1,000, if required. Rajnath Singh had instructed that more fully functional Covid hospitals should be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also at other places where they are required. He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to a Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on at a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. There were also discussions on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they are willing to volunteer. The minister had also suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

India plans to import oxygen containers, press IAF into service

With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world.

The number of positive cases is nearing 10 million and more than 480,000 deaths, only few months after the pandemic started. Following that, WHO has issued a warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-brazil-witnesses-surge-in-cases-death-toll-goes-past-53000-308429">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus: Brazil witnesses surge in cases; death-toll goes past 53,000</a>

“Many countries are now experiencing difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Demand is currently outstripping supply.”

WHO has bought nearly 14,000 oxygen concentrators from manufacturers and aims to supply them to&nbsp;120 countries in coming weeks. The organisation also plans to get additional 170,000 concentrators – worth about US$100m – in the next six months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-records-highest-single-day-spike-california-texas-among-states-worst-hit-308413">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; California, Texas among states worst-hit</a>

The warning was issued as many countries such as India, the US, Brazil, among others, ave been reporting record high daily spike in number of positive cases. The WHO also expressed concern over the sudden increase of 25-50 per cent cases in a week in the Latin American countries. The experts have predicted that the death toll in Latin America is expected to skyrocket to 390,000 by October.

“I would characterise the situation in the Americas in general as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and continued deaths,” said the&nbsp;head of the WHO emergencies programme, Dr Mike Ryan.

India, today, reported 16,922 cases. Brazil reported 42,725 cases and the US reported&nbsp;35,900 cases.&nbsp;

The world tally stands at around 9.39 million cases, including more than 481,000 deaths and almost 4.72 million recovered patients.

(With inputs from agencies)

With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world.

With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world. The number of positive cases is nearing 10 million and more than 480,000 deaths, only few months after the pandemic started. Following that, WHO has issued a warning. Also read| Coronavirus: Brazil witnesses surge in cases; death-toll goes past 53,000 “Many countries are now experiencing difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Demand is currently outstripping supply.” WHO has bought nearly 14,000 oxygen concentrators from manufacturers and aims to supply them to 120 countries in coming weeks. The organisation also plans to get additional 170,000 concentrators – worth about US$100m – in the next six months. Also read| COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; California, Texas among states worst-hit The warning was issued as many countries such as India, the US, Brazil, among others, ave been reporting record high daily spike in number of positive cases. The WHO also expressed concern over the sudden increase of 25-50 per cent cases in a week in the Latin American countries. The experts have predicted that the death toll in Latin America is expected to skyrocket to 390,000 by October. “I would characterise the situation in the Americas in general as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and continued deaths,” said the head of the WHO emergencies programme, Dr Mike Ryan. India, today, reported 16,922 cases. Brazil reported 42,725 cases and the US reported 35,900 cases. The world tally stands at around 9.39 million cases, including more than 481,000 deaths and almost 4.72 million recovered patients. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million

Inside the decrepit children&#39;s ward at an Indian hospital where 85 infants died last week, Ram Prasad prayed his two-year-old daughter would escape the same fate as he scanned the overcrowded hallways for a doctor.

His plight in &#39;Ward 100&#39;, where the death of so many children has sparked outrage, is emblematic of a healthcare crisis where doctors are stretched to breaking point and hospitals run out of oxygen due to unpaid bills.

Authorities have launched an inquiry into the causes of the oxygen disruption at the now-notorious Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, which Indian media has linked to the deaths of 30 infants last Thursday and&nbsp;Friday.

Local officials have blamed an outbreak of encephalitis for the deaths and denied a lack of oxygen was responsible.

But doctors and medical experts point to woeful underfunding in public health in eastern Uttar Pradesh, one of India&#39;s poorest regions, where just a handful of specialists are available to treat millions.

&quot;This (deaths) won&#39;t change soon, as it isn&#39;t a simple oxygen issue. The rot is deep and the system needs to be overhauled,&quot; a senior hospital official told AFP in Gorakhpur, speaking on condition of anonymity.

India was spending just 1.4 per cent of its GDP on public health in 2014 which is far below the global average of six per cent.

In Gorakhpur, there are just 529 primary health care clinics, less than half the number needed to cater for nearly 4.5 million people living in the district, July data from Brookings India shows.

There are just five paediatricians and 22 encephalitis treatment centres, despite the mosquito-borne illness wreaking havoc in low-lying areas of the state every year during the monsoon.

India&#39;s most populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are ravaged by encephalitis every year.

The disease, which affects mainly malnourished children, causes brain inflammation and can result in headaches, seizures, fever and even brain damage.

Professor K.P Kushwaha, who headed Baba Raghav Das Medical College until mid-2015, said the hospital could not cope with the volume of patients.

&quot;The government now needs to make at least five such hospitals across the region to tackle this load and get better results,&quot; he told AFP.

&nbsp;Life and death&nbsp;

Prasad, a poor farmer from Uttar Pradesh, travelled roughly 65 kilometres (40 miles) with his wife and two-year-old daughter after the infant suddenly ran a high fever.

He arrived at Baba Raghav Das Medical College just hours after hospital authorities declared that another 25 infants had died over the weekend.

Prasad&#39;s daughter was found a bed in the overcrowded ward, where many parents were forced to squat on the floor in nearby corridors. It was worse in the neo-natal unit, where three to four infants crowded a single bed.

&quot;We take turns to go out in the corridor and hall to rest, while the other one stands here,&quot; Prasad told AFP,&nbsp;gesturing to his wife and ill daughter.

&quot;She probably has pneumonia, I don&#39;t know, the doctors haven&#39;t told me anything.&quot;

Just days earlier, panicked parents used manual pumps to help their stricken children as the supply of oxygen fizzled out.

Professor K.P Kushwaha&#39;s successor was stood down over the oxygen debacle, which allegedly stemmed from nearly $100,000 in overdue bills, some dating back to November.

His replacement, P.K Singh, promised conditions at the hospital would improve &quot;whatever the shortcomings&quot;.

&quot;I understand that the hygiene situation here is very bad and there is a risk of infection,&quot; Singh told AFP.

But the district&#39;s chief medical officer Ravindra Kumar told AFP nothing could change as long as encephalitis plagued the poor eastern region.

&quot;So far we have only been shooting in the dark without much idea about its causes, prevention or the cure,&quot; he told AFP.

A lack of primary health centres meant illnesses were not detected early and by the time patients arrived at hospitals it was too late, said a local government official, gesturing to beds full of sickly children.

&quot;If people like them get the right advice and prompt referral, it can make the difference between life and death,&quot; he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Local officials have blamed an outbreak of encephalitis for the deaths and denied a lack of oxygen was responsible

Inside the decrepit children's ward at an Indian hospital where 85 infants died last week, Ram Prasad prayed his two-year-old daughter would escape the same fate as he scanned the overcrowded hallways for a doctor. His plight in 'Ward 100', where the death of so many children has sparked outrage, is emblematic of a healthcare crisis where doctors are stretched to breaking point and hospitals run out of oxygen due to unpaid bills. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the causes of the oxygen disruption at the now-notorious Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, which Indian media has linked to the deaths of 30 infants last Thursday and Friday. Local officials have blamed an outbreak of encephalitis for the deaths and denied a lack of oxygen was responsible. But doctors and medical experts point to woeful underfunding in public health in eastern Uttar Pradesh, one of India's poorest regions, where just a handful of specialists are available to treat millions. "This (deaths) won't change soon, as it isn't a simple oxygen issue. The rot is deep and the system needs to be overhauled," a senior hospital official told AFP in Gorakhpur, speaking on condition of anonymity. India was spending just 1.4 per cent of its GDP on public health in 2014 which is far below the global average of six per cent. In Gorakhpur, there are just 529 primary health care clinics, less than half the number needed to cater for nearly 4.5 million people living in the district, July data from Brookings India shows. There are just five paediatricians and 22 encephalitis treatment centres, despite the mosquito-borne illness wreaking havoc in low-lying areas of the state every year during the monsoon. India's most populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are ravaged by encephalitis every year. The disease, which affects mainly malnourished children, causes brain inflammation and can result in headaches, seizures, fever and even brain damage. Professor K.P Kushwaha, who headed Baba Raghav Das Medical College until mid-2015, said the hospital could not cope with the volume of patients. "The government now needs to make at least five such hospitals across the region to tackle this load and get better results," he told AFP. Life and death Prasad, a poor farmer from Uttar Pradesh, travelled roughly 65 kilometres (40 miles) with his wife and two-year-old daughter after the infant suddenly ran a high fever. He arrived at Baba Raghav Das Medical College just hours after hospital authorities declared that another 25 infants had died over the weekend. Prasad's daughter was found a bed in the overcrowded ward, where many parents were forced to squat on the floor in nearby corridors. It was worse in the neo-natal unit, where three to four infants crowded a single bed. "We take turns to go out in the corridor and hall to rest, while the other one stands here," Prasad told AFP, gesturing to his wife and ill daughter. "She probably has pneumonia, I don't know, the doctors haven't told me anything." Just days earlier, panicked parents used manual pumps to help their stricken children as the supply of oxygen fizzled out. Professor K.P Kushwaha's successor was stood down over the oxygen debacle, which allegedly stemmed from nearly $100,000 in overdue bills, some dating back to November. His replacement, P.K Singh, promised conditions at the hospital would improve "whatever the shortcomings". "I understand that the hygiene situation here is very bad and there is a risk of infection," Singh told AFP. But the district's chief medical officer Ravindra Kumar told AFP nothing could change as long as encephalitis plagued the poor eastern region. "So far we have only been shooting in the dark without much idea about its causes, prevention or the cure," he told AFP. A lack of primary health centres meant illnesses were not detected early and by the time patients arrived at hospitals it was too late, said a local government official, gesturing to beds full of sickly children. "If people like them get the right advice and prompt referral, it can make the difference between life and death," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

'Rot is deep' at Indian hospital where 85 children died

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