Rajasthan Opens Sufficient Oxygen Supply For Covid-19 Patients

Rajasthan, along with 11 other States of India is counted as 'High Burden States' by Central Ministry on Thursday, April 15, 2021. This decision is made accounting the heavy quantity oxygen shortage concern arising there for Covid-19 patients. Giving it a top priority, Union Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has mentioned to provide each of these High Burden States more than 17,000 MT of oxygen by April 30. Besides Rajasthan, other 11 States under this category are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Following the growing demand graph pointing more than 60 percent of daily oxygen production being used for Covid treatment purpose, Central Government has imposed a ban on oxygen supply for industrial use from April 22 to be continued until further order. Allowing even more, unrestricted free inter-state transportation of oxygen is permitted. No limitation is there on oxygen manufacturers and suppliers for oxygen delivery to hospitals located in their own State. Special freight trains 'Oxygen Express' are proposed to be running to supply liquid oxygen and oxygen cylinders through Green Corridor, a quick delivery route as suggested by Rail Ministry.

In Rajasthan, situation is worsening day by day. As found on Friday, April 16, through Rajasthan's State Health Department Data, 7359 Covid Positive patients were admitted in various hospitals. Major cities such as, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Bhilwara, Rajsamand, Sirohi, Dungarpur and Baran are already marked under Red Zone Area.

On Saturday, April 17, 2021, the State Health Department has instructed all divisional commissioners and collectors of Rajasthan to maintain sufficient buffer stock of oxygen supply for Covid Hospitals. To keep it All-Time-Ready in this emergency, 24 Hours power supply will be given in three phase to the oxygen-generating private plants to ensure their full production. Together with other States, Rajasthan has made all its support system available to eliminate this alarming pandemic danger.