New Delhi: The Union Government has rubbished the charge that it has done precious little to stem the second wave of deadly coronavirus.
It said all endeavours are being made on a war footing to make available enough oxygen to hospitals and augment the production of Remdesivir.
The Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) said there has been a “false narrative” that  government did nothing and is caught unawares in the second surge.
The MHA said the Centre with active and constant supervision and direct involvement of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, is augmenting the oxygen supply on a war footing evolving and implementing innovative measures.
These efforts include augmenting oxygen supply from all available sources within India and also importing oxygen from other countries using not only the diplomatic channels but also personal intervention of the political executive.
The ministry in its affidavit to the Supreme Court has submitted that there was very limited demand for Remdesivir during the preceding months, but the demand immediately before the second surge, causing the shortfall.
The total installed capacity of the seven licensed manufacturers of Remdesivir as on April 1, 2021 was 38.80 lakh vials per month but actual production was around 27 lakh vials per month.