The precious time squandered after the Centre’s declaration of installing plants in 162 government hospitals across the country, for which around Rs 202 crore was allocated last year, has, sadly, come at a dear cost. The authorities concerned have blood on their hands as victims rapidly succumb to the virus at heartbreaking rates for want of the life-saving gas. Punjab, reeling under one of the highest fatality rates, has been able to set up only one of the three plants sanctioned for the three government medical colleges. Even in that lone consolation spot — Faridkot — it is more of a better-late-than-never scene as it became functional just last month. Utter apathy is to the fore in Haryana as none of its six plants planned have seen the light of day. Nationwide, only 33 of the 162 hospitals promised to be equipped with the inhouse oxygen generation were successful in the attempt to be ready to deal with the imminent second wave. While Assam boasts of preparing eight plants, Delhi’s tally is just one out of the eight sanctioned.