South-Ossetian users express indignation at lack of oxygen in hospitals after closure of Transkam

The authorities of South Ossetia should supply hospitals with oxygen stations for treatment of coronavirus-infected patients in order to avoid a shortage of oxygen when the Transcaucasian highway is closed, Instagram users note.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 17, rescuers announced that the Transcaucasian Highway (known as Transkam), the only road between South Ossetia and Russia, was closed due to the worsening weather and the threat of avalanches.

After the closure of the Transkam, rescuers in an emergency mode began to clear the road from snow and debris to ensure passage of vehicles with medical oxygen, reported the press service for the President of South Ossetia on January 18.

Today, the Instagram chp_tskhinval public account has posted a report about the lack of oxygen experienced by hospitals in South Ossetia due to the closure of the Transkam. In their comments, some Instagram users criticized the republic's authorities for the absence of oxygen stations in the region. "It would have made more sense to install an oxygen generating station," wrote user rimlyanin_iron.

"Why couldn't they install portable oxygen stations? What will happen if the Transkam is closed for a long time during the coronavirus restrictions?" user iu_11111 expressed the anxiety.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on January 19, 2021 at 12:44 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.