Oxygen relief and support for Westbengel India

Vraagt u zich af hoe u uw zomer midden in de coronaviruscrisis kunt doorbrengen? U kunt beginnen door te doneren aan mensen in nood. Ik, Shalini Ghosh, student Creative Business in Nederland, kwam terug naar India om deze campagne te organiseren terwijl het land moeite heeft om te ademen. Uw bijdragen kunnen levens redden; de levens van de miljoenen die op uw steun wachten! Doneer nu om levens te redden!

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I am Shalini Ghosh. I have done my bachelors in the Netherlands with a degree in creative Business. I came back to India after my graduation last year during lockdown and has been staying home in Howrah, India since. I am hosting this fundraiser on the behalf of my fiancé whom I met in the Netherlands during her time of study. I will also be part of this mission with her to help as much people as we can in these difficult times.

 

Three weeks back I was admitted to Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Howrah, West Bengal, India, being COVID positive. When I was released from the hospital, I was shocked to find that my parents were admitted in the wing next to mine. We struggled with the disease since then. Even now when I write this, my father is on his nebulizer. Being a COVID warrior myself I can understand the plight of those who suffer. Corona is a virus that takes heavy toll on your body, if you survive.

 

India is facing the worst battle with coronavirus. The second wave of Covid-19 has brought devastating situation. The sudden surge has left many shortages for hospital beds, oxygen supply, medical supplies and also protective wears for our doctors and medical staff.

As per the data of 5th May 2021, Kolkata is reeling under oxygen shortage crisis. 60% of the oxygen supply has been made mandatory for by the state government officials to be kept for Covid patients. Although private hospitals have augmented the storage capacity, smaller nursing homes and local hospitals are suffering significantly. Howrah hospital, ALMC hospital, Jain hospital Medicare Nursing home; all have urgent need of oxygen supplies.

 

What is happening without oxygen?

 

You will see in one of the videos where one of the Covid patient was kept in general ward after his treatment where he had developed a rare neurological condition called Tardive Dyskinesia. He also suffered brain hemorrhages, few of which happened in front of me during visiting hours.

Many had died of whom I was not allowed to record or take images.

Doctors said that about 70-80% of the patients coming in the hospital with Covid infection during their second wave are requiring oxygen.

Seeing the situation, I have decided to volunteer and help as much as I can. I with some of our neighbors and friends have interviewed several people from in and around the hospitals and have been in touch with emergency services since. You can read some of our findings here.

 

Our Stories

 

Asansol Government Hospital stated that, “We depend on bulk cylinders. Right now even as we have 136 Covid beds, 150 patients have been admitted. We had to put some of them in the emergency area. All of them need oxygen. We wake up in fear every morning as our stocks have run out and we are just managing somehow. Although the government has assured us, no oxygen supply has yet been received.” This information was received from a friend, who is a resident of Asansol and is an active volunteer here.

 

Ujjal Saha, age 58, a resident of North Kolkata struggled to arrange oxygen cylinder for his dying father. He said, “We were waiting for his report but he was showing all Covid-19 positive symptoms. His SpO2 level was dripping. We were asked to administer oxygen by our family physician, so we are frantically calling suppliers and hospitals. Some wanted 30,000, others wanted 40,000 for a cylinder. We could not afford it!” He reported this incident while standing in from of Calcutta Medical College.

 

Shilpi, a resident of Kolkata was asked 30,000 INR from a dealer. She arranged cash payment and was asked to come at a spot. However, he had already sold it to someone else for a higher price. “I was on verge of tears. I didn’t know what to do,” she says. Few days back her mother passed away, her father and brother in isolation.

 

 

 

 

What is the extent of the crisis?

 

• Crematoriums are overflowing as people die without oxygen support.

• The problem is acute in rural areas as they are no medical facilities to combat Covid.

• Most patients are dying in their homes, as visiting the hospitals are not proving otherwise.

• 10 Covid patients in Kolkata die waiting in bed for oxygen support. (Indian Express, April 27, 2021)

• Industry expert state that India needs 7000 metric tonnes of medical oxygen to combat this crisis.

• Refilling charges have gone up in some place to as high as 2000 INR per cylinder. Before the crisis refilling cost was maximum 100 INR.

• Oxygen is also purchased from the black market with as high as 80000 INR.

• Oximeter price has been increased four times by manufacturers making it impossible for the average masses to afford.

• Masks prices has also be tripled in the time of crisis.

• Baby Nebulizers suffer shortages all over West Bengal.

 

What can you do to help?

 

In times of such crisis, the neediest are the rural population of West Bengal who cannot afford costs for the treatment of Coronavirus. Out of fear, most of them are not even getting tested. Faith is playing a major part amongst all this, as God is their ultimate protection.

However, even God calls for action!

You as Covid warriors can support our causes to fight the battle as India fights Corona. The situation is grave. It is not just about a country but humanity as a whole. With your help we can reach places where Government aid fails. Liquid oxygen can be purchased for smaller nursing homes and even smaller cans for those quarantined at home.

 

How will you help them?

 

Your support will help us purchase:

• Infrared Thermometers / Contact less thermometers

• Disposable PPE Kit for medical staffs.

• Baby Air Nebulizers for small children suffering from Coronavirus.

• Fingertip Pulse Oximeters

• D-Type Oxygen cylinders

• Oxygen cylinder 10 liter capacity

• 7 kg Portable Medical Oxygen Kit

 

I have asked several of my friends in The Netherlands to help me with this campaign. Please support and share our humble campaign! Your contributions can save lives; the lives of the millions who are waiting for your support!

 

Thank you!

 

We are also active through Social media to spread this message with as many as we can.

 

Instagram - @sha_gosh

Twitter - @Shalini82522676

Facebook - Facebook page

 

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