At least 13 patients died at the Chengalpattu Government Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday night, allegedly due to lack of oxygen. An inquiry has been ordered into the cause of death.

However, senior officials said that there is enough stock of oxygen in the hospital. The Health Secretary stated, "According to initial reports, the hospital has adequate stock of oxygen. This is not an oxygen supply issue. Only after the investigation, we will get to know the cause of these deaths. 

He said that many other patients also had oxygen, but were not affected.

Chengalpattu Dean Muthukumar, also denying lack of oxygen, said the patients who died were in serious condition and had comorbidities.

However, doctors and healthcare workers staged a protest inside the hospital premises on Wednesday. According to local reports, they claimed the hospital was facing a shortage of oxygen.

Earlier, the family members of the patients had alleged that 6 patients died due to disruption in oxygen supply at Government Vellore Medical College Hospital 2 days ago.

A total of 447 Covid-19 patients were receiving treatment at the hospital on Tuesday, out of which 309 needed oxygen support.

Tamil Nadu recorded 21,228 positive cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, bringing the state tally to 12,49,292. Among these, Chennai reported 6228 positive cases, bringing the city’s total to 3,58,573. Chengalpattu district recorded 1608 infections on Tuesday.

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