With more than 47 lakh reported coronavirus infections and a rise in the number of critically-ill patients needing oxygen, a worried Government has now asked seven States with high Covid-19 caseloads to pull up their socks and ensure adequate supply of oxygen in their healthcare facilities to minimise fatalities.
A string of measures such as provision for Green corridors for movement of oxygen tankers within cities, timely payment of dues, effective coordination with steel plants and uninterrupted oxygen supply within states has been suggested to Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka which are witnessing a surge in infections and deaths due to the virulent virus.
Following reports of shortage of oxygen from some States, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Saturday held a virtual meeting which was attended by Secretary Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Secretary Pharmaceuticals besides State Health Secretaries and Industries Secretaries of the identified States to take stock of the oxygen availability.
The States were specifically advised to ensure facility wise/hospital wise oxygen inventory management and advance planning for timely replenishment so that there are no stockouts, said a senior official from the Union Health Ministry. They were also asked to ensure that no restriction is imposed on the movement of Medical Oxygen between States/UTs while provision of “Green Corridor” for Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) Tankers within the cities is planned.
The States were reminded that hospitals and institutions have long term tender/ contract agreements for supply of Oxygen with oxygen manufacturers, which need to be honoured.
Hence, States must not impose restrictions on free movement of Oxygen, they were told.
“Ensure proper disinfection of Oxygen cylinders as per protocols while sending cylinders to fillers of oxygen and effective coordination with steel plants for oxygen,” the states have been advised, said the official.