"I'm speaking to you at a time when COVID-19 is testing our patience," PM Modi said. (File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Centre is "fighting with all its might to support states in fight against coronavirus". Speaking in his monthly radio address "Mann ki Baat" in the backdrop of a crippling oxygen crisis in the national capital, PM Modi said the government of India is "dedicated to taking forward the efforts of the state governments to tackle the current COVID19 situation".
"I'm speaking to you at a time when COVID-19 is testing our patience and capacity to bear pain. Many of our loved ones left us untimely. After successfully tackling first wave, the nation's morale was high, it was confident. But this storm (second wave) has shaken the nation," he said.
"To tackle this wave of COVID, I have held meetings with experts from many fields like pharma industry, oxygen production etc," the Prime Minister said.
Since last week, thousands of Covid patients in Delhi have been struggling to breathe, with various hospitals, small and large, flagging oxygen shortage every few hours. One hospital said it lost 25 lives overnight on Saturday due to the shortage.
The Delhi government and the Centre are fighting it out in court over supply issues, with the Centre contending that mismanagement on part of the Delhi government has led to the shortage.
The Delhi government has claimed that oxygen tankers are being stopped at source or on way to Delhi by the neighbouring states.
PM Modi also asked the people not to believe in "rumours" regarding vaccination.
"You all must be aware that the government of India has sent free vaccine to all state governments. All people above the age of 45 years can benefit from this," he said, adding that the Centre will continue to give free jabs to eligible people.
The opposition has been demanding "one vaccine one price" across the country. Yesterday, Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech said the vaccine will be available to state governments at Rs 600 a dose and private hospitals will get it for Rs 1,200.
The other vaccine maker in the country, Serum Institute of India, will sell its Covishield at Rs 400 a shot to states and Rs 600 to private hospitals.
Congress's Raul Gandhi tweeted a jab to the Prime Minister ahead of the airing of Mann ki Baat this morning, "System' failed, so it's important to do Jan ki baat: In this crisis, the country needs responsible citizens. I request my Congress colleagues to leave all political work- just provide all help and ease the pain of our countrymen. This is the Dharma of the Congress family".