Centre asks states to make rational use of medical oxygen, ensure no wastage

New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday (April 15) asked states to make rational use of medical oxygen and ensure there is no wastage while stressing that there is sufficient stock of oxygen in the country.

Oxygen shortages are being reported in many hospitals across the country and due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, the demand is very high. News agency ANI reported that several patients have died in the hallways of the hospitals waiting for oxygen.

Medical oxygen is a critical component in the treatment of COVID-19 affected patients. An inter-ministerial Empowered Group (EG2) of officers was constituted during the COVID pandemic in March 2020 to ensure the availability of essential medical equipment including medical oxygen to the affected states, the Union health ministry said.