COVID-19: The central government has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes in the wake of a spike in COVID-19 infections and a subsequent rise in the demand for medical oxygen particularly in high-burden states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The decision will come into effect from April 22nd.
The decision was taken on the basis of the recommendation by the Empowered Group (EG-II) set up by the government to manage supplies of medical equipment and drugs including medical oxygen.
Nine industries, however, have been exempted from the order. These include companies manufacturing ampoules and vials, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refineries, steel plants, nuclear energy facilities, oxygen cylinder manufacturers, waste water treatment plants, food and water purification plants, and process industries that require uninterrupted operation of furnaces.
Citing an unprecedented surge in the new daily cases of COVID-19 across the country, the health ministry said that the requirement of oxygen for effective clinical treatment of patients has also witnessed a manifold hike. “It was considered prudent to restrict the industrial usage of oxygen to meet the rising demand for medical oxygen,” the ministry said.
In a communication to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories, home secretary Ajay Bhalla urged them to “take necessary measures to prohibit supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except those exempted nine industries. It will help in augmenting supply for medical oxygen in the country and in saving precious lives”.
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