Prepare to face Covid third wave with medical oxygen supply: NITTE VC
2 min read
Mangaluru: Vice-chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University) Prof Satheesh Kumar Bhandary said, ‘making preparations to supply medical oxygen is needed to face Covid-19 third wave’.
Speaking as the Chairperson of the virtual panel discussion – Medical Oxygen- Issues and way forward organised by the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) here on Friday, VC said that “as Corona Virus infection increased in the country, so does the demand for medicinal oxygen. During the first wave, around 7,200 metric tonnes of medical oxygen was produced. The demand for oxygen at that period was 3,000 metric tonnes. After the first wave, production was increased to 9,200 metric tonnes. Yet, medical oxygen demand is not being fulfilled. We need to find out the reasons for this,” he added.
The performance of the logistics system should be evaluated. If we overcome problems in the system, we can effectively control the situation. Instead of transporting oxygen from elsewhere to the hospitals, it is better to install oxygen storage facilities or to establish oxygen manufacturing units, he opined.
Ranganath Punekar, Deputy Managing Manager of JSW Industrial Gas Corporation, Ballari said, ‘almost all industrial oxygen from Jindal Factory is now being sent for medical use. The organisation’s priority is to save lives,’ he said.
Power Swing Abrosption Plants (PSA) can be built keeping in mind the time limit. It takes three to four months for this. Otherwise, the existing oxygen must be used discreetly, he said.
Rathore, Joint Director of Department of Factories and Boilers, Industrial Safety and Health said, ‘after the first wave in BallarI oxygen supply to all hospitals and medical colleges is adequate, as a result of all the preparations made. Therefore, preparation should be given priority, he advised.
Dr Sripada G Mehendale, Head of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Department of K S Hegde Medical Hospital said, ‘high-pressure medical oxygen is mostly used in Intensive Care Units of Hospitals. The demand is still high’.
Dr B H Giridhara, Head of Department of Pulmonary Medicine said, ‘the pandemic lasts approximately three to four years. Preparation for this should always be on’.
IIC President Prof G Sriniketan coordinated the program.
Vivek Pai, IIC Convener, Prof. Indrani Karunasagar from the Department of Science and Technology were present.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
