After an expert committee in Karnataka found out that there was excessive use of oxygen for treating COVID-19 patients, the state government issues guidelines for usage of oxygen.

The clinical expert committee has conducted an analysis of the usage of oxygen, according to the letter, which reveals that there is a non-judicious and excessive use of oxygen therapy without proper monitoring.

“Excessive usage, besides having deleterious health effects, is resulting in the wastage of a precious resource leading to a shortage of the commodity and waste of money,” the letter added.

In a letter issued yesterday, Jawaid Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, said there is an “unprecedented surge in the demand of oxygen” to treat COVID-19 patients.

There has been a spike of 69,878 cases and 945 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours.

In Karnataka, there are 83,999 active COVID-19 cases, with 4615 deaths.

The COVID-19 tally in the country rose to 29,75,702 including 6,97,330 active cases, 22,22,578 cured/discharged/migrated & 55,794 deaths, according to Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(With ANI inputs)