Demand for medical oxygen increases in twin districts

Mangaluru: Since the last week, demand for medical oxygen cylinders in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have increased with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Reportedly, there is no shortage of oxygen in the twin districts with necessary stocks available for 15 days in eight medical colleges and the Wenlock hospital in the Dakshina Kannada district.

Presently, there is one liquid oxygen refiling unit and two units of natural air compression in the Dakshina Kannada district.

Most of the hospitals in the twin districts are being supplied oxygen from these units where the oxygen requirement is 6,000 cubic litres in Dakshina Kannada and 4,000 cubic litres in Udupi.

Oxygen cylinders are currently being supplied to industries. However, if the need arises supply of oxygen can be diverted for medical use only.

“There is no shortage of oxygen in the district. The district’s required medical oxygen is being produced within the district. The district drug regulatory committee has been constituted as a precautionary measure to prevent any problems in future. The committee is comprised of oxygen suppliers and other officials,” said Deputy Commissioner Dr Rajendra KV.