Centre Reviews preparedness status of the Entire spectrum of oxygen infrastructure

The Ministry of Family Welfare has on January 7 reviewed the complete oxygen infrastructure in the country so that in case of an emergency arising out of the increase in the number of infections, people don’t need to suffer as it happened during the second wave.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary chaired a high-level meeting today to review the preparedness status of the entire spectrum of oxygen equipment including ventilators, PSA/Oxygen plants, oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders for timely and effective management of the COVID19 pandemic, with States and UTs through a Video Conference.

“Underlining the challenge posed by increasing number of COVID cases across the country, with focus on Omicron, Union Health Secretary emphasized that it is the primary and critical responsibility of States and UTs to ensure all oxygen equipment, till the field level at all health facilities is tested and kept in a functional state to meet any emergent situation,” the Ministry said.

It added, “States/UTs were urged to ensure full and optimal utilization of ECRP-II funds, through daily reviews, and to upload the expenditure on the dedicated NHM PMS portal so that they are eligible for release of further funds in order to strengthen the healthcare facilities till the sub-district levels. Under ECRP-II, funds are also made available for installing Liquid Medical Oxygen [LMO] tanks and Medical Gas Pipeline Systems [MGPS]. States are required to make them operational and secure approval from Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization [PESO] in respect of LMO tanks.”