Eastern Naval Command to operate oxygen plants in govt. hospitals across AP

Vishakapatnam: The Eastern Naval Command on 8 May announced that it will operate and maintain oxygen plants in all government and teaching hospitals across the state.

The decision was taken at the meeting of Andhra Pradesh government representative M.T Krishna Babu with Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of Eastern Naval Command and the chief managing director of Vizag Steel Plant on supply, storage, and maintenance of oxygen in the state here on Saturday.

The Navy has agreed to extend its support to the state government in rectifying technical errors in oxygen plants. It has agreed to transport 25 cryogenic oxygen cylinders coming to the state from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. The Navy has also agreed to provide special vehicles for transportation of liquid medical oxygen containers for regular uses and also to supply oxygen concentrators, D-type oxygen cylinders, and other medical equipment required for COVID-19 treatment.

Officials of the Eastern Naval Command have agreed to allot 10 oxygen beds along with 60 normal beds for COVID treatment in INS Kalinga hospital. They have also agreed to develop infrastructure facilities for 150 beds in temporary COVID hospitals in Kancherapalem of Vishakapatnam district. ENC has requested the district administration to arrange the required doctors and medical staff. Also, the Navy will donate 200 D-type cylinders.

Meanwhile, the Vizag Steel Plant (VSP) has agreed to set up a 50-bed hospital with oxygen facility for COVID-19 treatment at Gurajada Kalakshetram in Vishakapatnam. The chief managing director of Vizag Steel Plant has said that an additional 150 beds will be arranged in the hospital by 15 May. The plant officials said 250 beds will be available by 30 May and 600 beds by June in the hospital. They requested the district administration to ensure required doctors and medical staff are available accordingly.

The plant officials also informed the state government that only 100 metric tonnes of MLO have been produced in two units which have the capacity of producing 850 MT. They said that though the plant was completed in 2013, discussions with contracting agencies are yet to be completed. With the discussions complete, the plant will be available in the coming six months, they added.

Meanwhile, four special teams were formed with each team being made in charge of in three to four districts. Arrangements were also made to airlift these teams to the required locations if necessary. These teams will fix problems in the supply of oxygen and solve other related problems.