Indian Railways sets up oxygen plants in four of its hospitals
Amid heightened efforts by the Centre to fulfill the gap between the demand and supply of liquid medical oxygen which is needed for combating spiralling cases of Covid-19 infections, Indian Railways’ has made four oxygen plants functional while 52 more have been sanctioned in 86 of its hospitals across the country.
Official sources said that apart from this, 30 more oxygen plants are under various stages of processing and all railway hospitals will be equipped with these plants soon.
General Managers have been delegated powers of up to Rs 2 crores in each case for sanctioning oxygen generation plants, they informed further.
The number of beds for Covid treatment have been increased from 2,539 to 6,972. The ICU beds in Covid hospitals have been increased from 273 to 573.
Invasive ventilators have also been added and their number has been increased from 62 to 296.
Railway officials said that medical equipments like BIPAP machines, oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders are also being provided in railway hospitals. They have also issued instructions that Covid affected employees may be admitted to empanelled hospitals on referral basis as per requirement.