50% of Gujarat’s oxygen supply to go to hospitals

AHMEDABAD: After a shortage of medical oxygen has been reported across the state since September 7, the state government on Friday issued a notification including oxygen under the Epidemic Diseases Act, Essential Commodities Act, Disaster Management Act, and Indian Penal Code.
Under the notification, manufacturers must ensure production of oxygen is ‘uninterrupted and at their maximum production capacity’. Other clauses of the notification say that 50% of production must be used only for medical oxygen and to be supplied to hospitals in Gujarat.
Moreover, priority shall be given to hospitals if the need arises and in such a scenario, the proportion of medical oxygen can go beyond the stipulated 50%. The rest of the stock can be diverted for industrial usage, the notification states. Violation of the notification can be punished under IPC Section 188, state food and drug control administration (FDCA) officials said.
Dr H G Koshia, FDCA commissioner, said the state currently uses about 250 tons of oxygen a day and has 50 active manufacturers of the 52 registered licence holders. “The decision is taken in light of the ever-rising demand for oxygen due to Covid-19,” he said.
Kiran Patel, a city-based oxygen manufacturer, said 50% supply to hospitals would ensure a buffer of the life-saving gas. “However, the issue of raw material – liquified oxygen – persists. Demand is on the rise across states and the challenge will be to ensure that Gujarat gets adequate stock,” he said. Industry insiders said the price of one litre of oxygen has remained high at Rs 35 for the past few days.
Prakash Patel, a supplier and manufacturer of oxygen, said major players are not only catering to Gujarat but neighbouring states also. “Given the current scenario, it will be a challenge to ensure that the raw material or finished product doesn’t go out as the forces of the market are at play. Maharashtra is a major supplier of the gas,” he said, adding that major players should provide raw material to smaller manufacturers.