Health officials look to increase hospital oxygen stocks

As the country grapples with a more severe third wave of the virus, health authorities are looking to increase oxygen stocks in State hospitals. 

Only 66, 000 litres of oxygen is manufactured in the country on a daily basis. Hospitals use about 27, 000 litres each day, an official from the State Ministry of State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation, told Times Online. “We have asked the two companies manufacturing oxygen to ensure continuous supply of oxygen to all General and Teaching Hospitals on a daily basis to ensure there is no shortage,” the official stated. 

The Government is also looking at ordering 400 jumbo oxygen cylinders from India to add to about 27, 000 such cylinders available locally, the source added.

The ministry official also urged people not to panic and go searching for oxygen cylinders. “We have heard some people are already doing that. One should not be hoarding oxygen cylinders at home and it is also dangerous to administer oxygen without medical supervision as too much oxygen can lead to serious medical side-effects,” the official warned.