Srinagar, Apr 04: To augment the oxygen generation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned Rs 212 crore for the establishment of dedicated oxygen generation plants in public healthcare facilities, officials said.
Adequate and uninterrupted supply of oxygen is essential for managing moderate and severe cases of COVID -19 and for various other medical conditions where this need arises.
Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education department, Atal Dulloo said in order to augment oxygen generation in hospitals, DPRs amounting to Rs 212 cr were prepared.
“This has been sanctioned by the government for establishment of oxygen generation plants, manifold and medical gas pipelines in associated hospitals of all Govt. Medical Colleges, District Hospitals and SKIMS Soura,” he said.
Dulloo said the move will further strengthen the public health system and enable long-term systematic augmentation of medical oxygen availability in a cost-effective manner.
He said apart from this, a proposal for augmentation of oxygen supply in 30 sub district level hospitals, 15 in each division in Jammu and Kashmir has been approved under World Bank project.
“The proposal for augmentation of oxygen supply in 30 CHCs/SDHs by installation of manifold and gas pipeline system has been approved under the project,” Dulloo said.
The FC said the facilities were proposed to meet the needs as these hospitals have higher patient load and such facilities were not available, which was a reason for referral of patients.
He also said a liquid oxygen tank was established in Government Medical College, Jammu to overcome the shortage of oxygen.