AGRA: The district administration in Agra has issued orders stating that FIR will be registered against any hospital management for forcing patients to arrange for oxygen cylinders. A case will be registered under the Epidemic Act. Besides, private hospitals designated as Covid-19 care centres will need to place charges for treatment in accordance with state government orders and availability of vacant beds on the notice board.

Hospitals will need to share details with the district Covid control room. District magistrate (DM) Prabhu N Singh said, “We have received complaints of hospitals asking caretakers of the patients to arrange for oxygen cylinders for treatment. This was causing a lot of inconvenience. Besides, some of the hospitals were overcharging. Their permit for Covid-19 treatment has been cancelled." At present, there are 21 designated Covid care centres in the district, the DM added.

"These hospitals have been asked to coordinate with local authorities for supply of oxygen. No patient`s kin will be sent to make the arrangement. The hospitals have been directed to follow rates mandated by the state in charging patients for the services. An FIR will be registered under the Epidemic Act against the hospital management found violating the orders," the DM said.

The DM also said that there is no shortage of oxygen in the district. "Two oxygen production plants are operational in the district. Apart from hospitals, people in home isolation can get oxygen cylinders from centres in Sikandra and Tegi Bagiya locality. People just need to carry a doctor`s prescription with them," he said.

Meanwhile, 649 people were tested Covid-19 positive in the district on Sunday. The number of active cases increased to 4,389, the highest-ever. Six patients succumbed to the disease, the health department reported. A total of 269 Covid-19 patients have died while undergoing treatment in Agra district since March 2020.

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