Centre asks states to get Covid-ready, stock supplies

The health ministry on Saturday directed all states governments to maintain adequate supply of medical oxygen and life support equipment in the wake of the spike in Covid-19 cases in other countries.

The ministry said all the departments concerned must ensure that "PSA plants are kept fully functional and regular mock drills are conducted to check them".

Moreover, "the availability of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) in the health facilities and an uninterrupted supply chain for their refilling should be ensured," the ministry said in a letter to the states.


The Centre also asked the departments to maintain "adequate inventory of oxygen cylinders along with backup stocks and robust refilling system".

The letter said the availability of functional life support equipment such as ventilators, BipAp and SpO2 systems along with their consumables should be maintained.

According to the letter, oxygen control rooms should be reinvigorated at states/UTs level for prompt resolutions of oxygen-related issues and challenges.

The Centre has already issued fresh travel guidelines for international passengers.

Even as the number of cases remain low and are not surging as of now, the Centre highlighted the importance of "operationalisation and maintenance of these medical infrastructure" in case the country faces "any challenges arising in future"