Delhi: Taking cognizance of the number of deaths caused by the oxygen shortage in the country, authorities have approved funds worth Rs. 23,123 crore for installation of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) storage tanks and Medical Gas Pipeline Systems (MGPS). The confirmation to this news was given by MoS Health Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar while addressing the Rajya Sabha on 08.02.2022.
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The Minister was responding to the questions raised by Shri Mahesh Poddar who sought details of the number of deaths that were accrued due to oxygen shortage during the lockdown in the last one year. He further asked whether all the States have submitted the data regarding death due to oxygen shortage. He also inquired about the government plans to compensate the victim families. " Whether the capacity of oxygen storage has increased in the country from the last one year, if so, the details thereof", questioned Mr. Boddar.
Responding to his questions, MoS Health stated that Health is a State subject. The government of India has maintained data of total cases and deaths reported by States/UTs on a regular basis. Accordingly, Union Government has requested States/UTs to furnish the details as asked for. Few States/UTs have responded and and none of the State/UT has reported death due to oxygen shortage.
The minister has informed that in order to address the surge in demand for oxygen, the Central Government had initiated measures to increase the availability, streamline the distribution and strengthen the oxygen storage infrastructure in the country. Oxygen availability has been enhanced by an increase in production capacity, setting up of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Plants, import of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) from overseas, and procurement of Oxygen Concentrators.
The minister further informed that for improving oxygen storage, number and capacity of cryogenic tankers at hospitals have been enhanced and Medical Oxygen cylinders have been procured and distributed to States/UTs. Under ECRP Phase II, a package of Rs. 23,123 crore (with Rs. 15,000 Cr as Central Component) has been approved. This includes support for the installation of 958 Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) storage tanks with 1,359 Medical Gas Pipeline Systems (MGPS).
Moreover, on 4th February 2022, 3737 PSA plants have been commissioned in the country. This includes PSA plants under PMCARES, PSUs of various central Ministries, and other sources to enhance the capacity of medical oxygen production and supply at the facility level. 4,02,517 oxygen cylinders have also been distributed to all States. Further 1,13,237 oxygen concentrators have been allocated to States/UTs.
As far as the government's plan to compensate the victims is concerned, the Government of India through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued 'Guidelines to provide for ex-gratia assistance to kin of the deceased by COVID-19'. NDMA has recommended an amount of Rs. 50,000/- per deceased, subject to the cause of death certified as COVID-19. The ex-gratia assistance provided by States from State Disaster Response Funds.
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