Centre writes to states to ensure adequate stock medical oxygen for 48 hrs at health facilities

Bhubaneswar: Amid sharp rise in Covid cases in the country, the central government has advised the states and union territories (UTs) to buffer stock of medical oxygen sufficient for at least 48 hrs at health facilities providing in-patient care and oxygen therapy.

In the letter, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the emerging scenario calls for immediate measures by states and UTs to ensure optimal availability of medical oxygen at all health facilities.

There should be availability of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO). The LMO tanks at the health facilities should be sufficiently filled and uninterrupted supply chain for their refilling should be ensured.

The health facilities across the country should be strengthened with Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) plants . It is also important to ensure that these PSA plants are kept fully functional.

All the health facilities should have adequate inventory of oxygen cylinders along with back-up stocks and robust refilling systems. It should be ensured that these cylinders are filled and kept ready.

The higher level health facilities should have life support equipment including ventilators, BiPAP, SpO2 systems and associated consumables in sufficient numbers to respond to the emerging needs.

All the infection prevention protocols should be adopted while using oxygen delivery devices and equipment at all the health facilities.

The Health Ministry along with Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has organised 10 hours training for operators of PSA plants for day-to-day operation, 40 hours training of Master Trainers and 180 hours training of trouble shooting of PSA to a significant number of persons in all States.

The private health facilities providing oxygen therapy services may be assessed and the medical oxygen infrastructure capacities needs to be explored.

The oxygen control rooms should be reinvigorated at the State/UT level for prompt resolutions of oxygen related issues and challenges.

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