Online portal developed to ascertain O2 demand

As India prepares for a possible third wave of Covid-19 infections, an online portal has been developed to ascertain demand for medical oxygen from all medical facilities based on bed availability and occupancy, and aggregating them at the state level. The Oxygen Digital Tracking System (ODTS) connects to similar portals of states and provides services for connecting with hospitals wherever state portals are not available, said officials.

It will track the daily allocation of oxygen, their dispatch and deliveries, including movement of oxygen tankers dispatched, delivered, as well as tankers in transit, added officials. According to home ministry officials, the demand for medical oxygen has dropped to 1,000-1,200 metric tonne from the earlier 10,000 MT during the peak of the Covid-19 second wave. However, they are constantly reviewing daily demands from states.

On Friday, PM Modi was informed during the review that more than 1,500 Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen plants are coming up across the nation which includes contributions from PM CARES as well as various ministries and PSUs. After the review by the PM, use of advanced technology like Internet of Things is being deployed to track the performance and functioning of oxygen plants at the local and national level.