As condition worsens, Punjab imposes curbs on oxygen supply to other states

CHANDIGARH: In view of rising demand for medical oxygen amid deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the state, the Punjab government has imposed restrictions on state-based manufacturers for selling it to other states and directed them to give priority to home demand.
There are about 10 units in the state manufacturinng medical oxygen. Besides, the government sources oxygen from units in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand. Due to the rise in patients needing oxygen, the demand has touched about 100 metric tonnes (MTs).
The food and drug administration (FDA), Punjab, had sent a letter to these units asking them not to "sell and supply" medical oxygen manufactured in their units outside the state. “Priority shall be given to meet the daily requirement of Punjab. No part of the manufactured medical oxygen strictly be supplied out of Punjab without prior written permission of zonal licensing authority," the communication said.
These units have been directed to charge the rate fixed by the central government and National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, or face action under Essential Commodities Act.
They have been instructed to submit a daily report informing about the daily quantity of medical oxygen produced, quantity sold and stock in hand as any violation or non-compliance will lead to cancellation of their licences.
Since the virus attacks the respiratory system, patients have to be put on oxygen and ventilator support. There has been a manifold increase in the number of patients requiring oxygen, intensive care units (ICUs) and ventilator support.
The health department data reveals that in May only three patients needed oxygen support, while five were put on ventilators. The next month, 21 patients were put on ventilator support, while 82 required oxygen. In July, as many as 181 patients required oxygen support, 89 were in ICUs and 63 needed ventilator support, while in August as many as 505 patients required oxygen support. A total of 250 were admitted in ICU and 233 were put on ventilators. In the ongoing month, 123 new patients are on oxygen support, 35 in ICU and 93 on ventilators. As on September 10, 544 patients are on oxygen and 79 in critical condition on ventilators.
Joint commissioner (drugs), food and drug administration, Punjab, Pardeep Kumar maintained that there is no shortage of oxygen and the directions have been issued to maintain regular supply of oxygen to hospitals in view of the increasing cases in the state.