‘Green Corridors’, a safe way to supply oxygen for critical Covid-19 patients

On 13th September, the Central government demanded to make arrangements for ‘Green Corridor’ for Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) Tankers for sufficient amounts of Oxygen (O₂ ) for acute Covid-19 patients.

A virtual meeting was conducted by the Union Health Ministry on this Sunday with State and Industries Health Secretaries. States who have involved Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

The objective of the meeting was to supply an abundant amount of requisite hospitality for COVID patients and unhindered intra along with the inter-State movement of oxygen.

In the course of the meeting, the States were thoroughly recommended to clinch the facilities and hospital wise to make sure to have the appropriate amount of Oxygen in their inventories and reorder at the appropriate time to avoid any situations of a complete stock-out. The States were also suggested to not restrict any movements for the supply of Medical Oxygen betwixt States and Union Territories.

Hospitals and institutions have deep-rooted tender or contract concurrence for the supply of Oxygen with oxygen producers, which according to the central government needs to be held in great respect. Thus, the free movement of Oxygen must not be restricted by the State. 

The Union Health Ministry also suggested that the States verify and pay any dues so that they have an unhindered supply of Oxygen.

The Health Ministry also added that the Oxygen Cylinders should be disinfected thoroughly before sending them for refilling.

There should be a fruitful collaboration with steel production plants for Oxygen acquisition according to the union government, since these plants approximately issue out 550 MT oxygen per day whereas, on the other hand, the oxygen manufacturers supply 6400 MT of oxygen per day.

These suggestions made by the ministry will reduce deaths caused by insufficient supply of oxygen for critical Covid-19 patients.