Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that there will be no shortage of oxygen in the State. Supply of oxygen will be ensured under all conditions as per the requirement of Covid-19 patients. Along with increasing the capacity of existing plants in the State, efforts are on to coordinate with other States.
Reviewing the situation of corona in a meeting held at his residence, Chief Minister Chouhan said that the number of corona patients is increasing in the State but the smooth functioning of the systems is necessary in every situation. By the end of September, 150 tonnes of oxygen will be available. Initiative has also been taken for a new oxygen plant.
Chouhan had a telephonic discussion with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray regarding oxygen supply in the State. Chouhan informed that Thackeray has assured that the problem of oxygen exists in Maharashtra also but he will make every effort to continue to supply oxygen to Madhya Pradesh.
It was informed in the meeting that Maharashtra is supplying 20 tonnes of oxygen to the State. This supply is being made by Inox Company. This company will supply oxygen to Madhya Pradesh from its plants in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh if required. Chouhan said that currently we had 50 tonnes of oxygen available which we have enhanced to 120 tonnes and by September 30 this capacity will be increased upto 150 tonnes. Instructions have also been given to increase the capacity of existing oxygen plants in the State. If these plants work at 100 percent capacity then we will get additional oxygen. There will be no shortage of oxygen in the State.
The Chief Minister said that it is also necessary to ensure that oxygen is not misused. Oxygen should be available to the patient as required. Arrangements for required training and monitoring are being made to prevent wastage and misuse of oxygen.
Chouhan said that the State Government is also working on a long term plan for the availability of oxygen. Inox company is being allowed to set up an oxygen plant in the State. This plant will be set up at Mohasa Bavai in Hoshangabad. It will produce 200 tonnes of oxygen.
Chouhan said that Covid patients are increasing in the State which is a stark reality. But in every situation, the State Government is committed to ensure that the arrangements are being made properly. There is also a need to increase beds in the hospital. The State Government is also working in this direction. Medical colleges and district hospitals have been given necessary directions. Arrangements are being made for effective treatment of Covid patients in private hospitals. The State has moved from lock to unlock. The economy cannot be locked again. Economic activities cannot be halted. Caution is very important in this situation. He appealed to the people of the State to use masks in every situation. He said that use of masks and mutual distancing is the most effective way of protection from corona.