Karnataka is facing a critical issue in maintaining the 243 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants installed across district and taluk hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic. With oxygen demand substantially reduced, the state is exploring funding options to ensure these plants remain operational for any future health crises.
Oxygen Demand Drops Post-Covid, Putting Plants at Risk
The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated the rapid installation of oxygen plants to meet the high demand for medical oxygen. However, with the pandemic subsiding, the demand for oxygen has sharply declined, leaving many of these plants underutilized. The result is a growing concern about their sustainability, as maintaining these plants is becoming financially unviable.
Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Appeals for Rs 5 Lakh Annual Maintenance
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has highlighted the substantial cost of maintaining each PSA plant approximately Rs 5 lakh per year. This ongoing cost has led to a request for financial assistance from the National Health Mission (NHM) to ensure these plants remain operational and ready for future emergencies.
Hospitals Move to Oxygen Cylinders as Cheaper Alternative
Given the high maintenance costs, many hospitals have started switching to oxygen cylinders, which offer a more cost-effective solution for oxygen supply. While this shift is financially practical, it underscores the challenge of sustaining PSA oxygen plants that might be used only sporadically.
National Health Mission Funding Crucial for Long-Term Sustainability
With the future of the PSA plants in jeopardy, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has called for NHM funding to sustain these critical healthcare assets. Such funding will allow the state to keep the plants operational, ensuring Karnataka is prepared for any health crisis that may arise in the future.
Preparing for Future Health Emergencies in Karnataka’s Healthcare System
The maintenance of these oxygen plants is not only a current necessity but also a long-term strategy for Karnataka’s healthcare system to remain resilient. While the need for oxygen may have diminished post-Covid, the potential for future emergencies makes these plants vital for the state’s preparedness.
Karnataka is at a crossroads with its 243 PSA oxygen plants. With the demand for oxygen falling, the state faces challenges in maintaining these plants without financial support. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao’s appeal for NHM funding is seen as a critical step to ensure the plants remain functional and prepared for any future health emergencies.
Saathee Global
