Fighting COVID: 1 Lakh Portable Oxygen Concentrators From PM-CARES Fund

New Delhi: With several hospitals across the country still struggling to provide medical oxygen to numerous serious COVID-19 patients, the Centre is pulling all stops to boost supply of LMO.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned procurement of 1 lakh oxygen concentrators from the PM-CARES fund.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, who instructed officials to ensure that states with high caseload of serious patients receive these oxygen concentrators as soon as possible.

“1 lakh portable oxygen concentrators will be procured, 500 more PSA oxygen plants sanctioned from PM-CARES. This will improve access to oxygen, specially in district HQs and Tier-2 cities,” Modi tweeted.

Modi also held meetings with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on the oxygen situation in the country. The PM was assured that they are leaving no stones unturned in helping the states facing difficulties.

The DRDO will be setting up 500 medical oxygen plants within three months from funds allocated by the PM-CARES Fund, while Indian Air Force has set up a ‘COVID Air Support Cell’ to ensure perfect coordination with different ministries and agencies vis-à-vis COVID-19.