PM Modi Calls for Increasing Production of Medical Grade Oxygen as India Witnesses Massive COVID-19 Spike

New Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amidst the steep spike in the cases of the novel coronavirus reported from across the country, undertook a comprehensive review to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of medical grade oxygen supply and increase the volume of its production. 

As the cases of the novel coronavirus seem to be skyrocketing and spiraling out of control with every passing day, the supply of medical-grade oxygen proves to be a crucial component for the treatment of the patients affected by the infection.  

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement ensured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to conduct a comprehensive review thereby ensuring the adequate supply of medical grade oxygen and also speed up its production. 

Several other ministries such as health, steel, road transport, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) shared crucial inputs with the Prime Minister while conducting a comprehensive review on this matter. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also laid out the importance for all the ministries and state governments to function as a united force. 

The Prime Minister also took into account the detailed review on the ongoing situations of the supply of medical grade oxygen and the way it is going to be used in the next fifteen days by the 12 worst coronavirus affected Indian states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. 

The Prime Minister's Office also declared that an overview of the situation at the district level in these states was to be presented before the Prime Minister. 

The Prime Minister was informed that the center and the states are working towards estimating a projected demand which has been shared with the states for the dates April 20, April 25, and April 30. 

The PMO said that surplus stocks of oxygen supply in the steel plants are being offered for medical use. 

PM Modi also asked the officials to ensure smooth and free movement tankers that are carrying oxygen throughout the country. 

To ensure easy transportation, the government exempted all inter-state movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits. 

The states have enabled round-the-clock movement for the tankers carrying oxygen supply and drivers work in shifts to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand. 

The PMO also said that cylinder filling plants will also be permitted to work round the clock with necessary safeguards. 

During the review, officials briefed the prime minister about the efforts that are being made to import medical grade oxygen, the PMO said. 

Meanwhile, on Friday, India recorded the highest single-day spike with 2,17,353 fresh COVID with 1,185 deaths reported in the last 24 hours pushing the country's death count to 1,74,308. The total tally of active caseloads in the country amounts to over 1.42 crore. This is the sixth straight day where more than 1.5 lakh cases were reported in this country

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