In response to the overwhelming demand for oxygen during the Covid-19 pandemic, Karnataka installed over 240 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants in district and taluk hospitals across the state. These plants played a pivotal role in saving lives during the peak of the pandemic. However, with the pandemic subsiding and the demand for medical oxygen now significantly lower, the state is grappling with the financial challenges of maintaining these plants.
Karnataka’s Oxygen Plants Installed During Covid Face Financial Strain
The oxygen plants, once a lifeline during the crisis, are now at risk of becoming redundant. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao recently shared his concerns about the financial burden of maintaining the plants, which cost approximately Rs 5 lakh per year to upkeep. With hospitals seeing fewer Covid patients, many are opting for oxygen cylinders instead of relying on the fixed oxygen plants, which are costly to maintain.
Rs 5 Lakh Annual Maintenance Per Plant a Challenge for State Hospitals
Each PSA oxygen plant requires a substantial investment to keep it running smoothly. The Rs 5 lakh annual maintenance cost includes servicing, repairs, and ensuring the plant remains operational. Despite the importance of these plants during the pandemic, the current low demand for oxygen has made it difficult for many district hospitals to justify the ongoing costs. Consequently, purchasing cylinders has become a more viable option for many hospitals.
Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Calls for National Health Mission Funding
Recognizing the importance of maintaining the oxygen plants for potential future emergencies, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has called for financial assistance from the National Health Mission (NHM). The state hopes that the NHM can provide the necessary funds to cover the costs of upkeep, ensuring the plants remain functional and ready in case of another health crisis.
Post-Covid Oxygen Demand Drops, Raising Questions on Plant Viability
One of the reasons for the drop in demand for oxygen plants is the reduced number of patients requiring critical care. Additionally, many of the PSA plants do not meet the required purity levels, making them less reliable for certain medical needs. This has led some hospitals to rely on cylinder-based oxygen supply, which is easier to manage and more cost-effective given the current situation.
State Hospitals Turn to Cylinder Supply Due to Lower Oxygen Demand
With the decline in hospital admissions and the reduced need for oxygen during recovery, many hospitals have switched to purchasing oxygen cylinders. These cylinders are not only more affordable but also offer greater flexibility, reducing the need for costly plant maintenance. As the state faces this shift, the challenge remains to find a solution that ensures oxygen availability without putting undue financial pressure on hospitals.
Karnataka’s oxygen plants, once a critical part of the state’s Covid response, now face an uncertain future. The state’s health department is actively seeking support from the National Health Mission to keep these plants operational, ready for any unforeseen future crises. As Karnataka works to balance its healthcare needs with budgetary constraints, ensuring the maintenance of these oxygen plants remains a significant challenge.
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