5 medical oxygen plants in state soon

Tribune News Service

Karnal, May 2

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday reviewed the preparedness of BPS PGIMS Khanpur in Sonepat district for Covid-19 and said five more oxygen plants will be functional in the state soon.

“The equipment for setting up the oxygen plants in Karnal, Panchkula, Hisar, Sonepat and Faridabad have already arrived. Once these plants are functional, there would be sufficient oxygen and the number of beds will also be increased in the state,” said Khattar. The equipment of this plant were lying unattended and with the support of Prof Joginder Singh, the oxygen plant was made functional at Sonepat Civil Hospital by the district administration.

The CM asked him to get five more such plants functional at the earliest and the administrations would extend all support to him. Khattar said the oxygen quota of the state had been increased to 257MT.

“The quota for Sonepat district has also been raised to 13MT per day. A container of 10MT capacity will also be set up at BPS Khanpur, so that oxygen could be supplied to hospitals in time,” he said.

He also said 100 MBBS students of BPS Medical College were ready for their internship and they would be sent to the districts as per the requirement.

While chairing a meeting of officials, Khattar directed them to conduct oxygen audit at hospitals and determine the usage and check the wastage of it. He also asked them to keep strict vigil on black-marketing of oxygen. Khattar also appealed to people not to panic if the oxygen level dips to 92. They should stay in home isolation.

“Like government machinery, social organisations should also come forward to extend support to the people who are in home isolation, so that essential goods could be sent to their homes,” the CM appealed. He also directed officials to ensure the availability of all essential goods in containment zones. “The officials will also ensure that rate lists of essential commodities are displayed outside their shops,” the CM directed.

On the issue of hefty rates being charged for ambulances, the CM said a rate list for ambulances should be displayed outside hospitals, so that people pay accordingly. Besides, hospitals would also ensure that rates of beds with oxygen and ventilator facilities and common beds are displayed on the premises.