The ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Monday allowed the supply of oxygen to certain industries on a temporary basis, subject to ensuring an adequate supply of medical oxygen to hospitals and other medical purposes, as the number of Covid-19 cases has decreased and demand for medical oxygen has decreased.
As the number of Covid cases increased and several states reported a shortage of oxygen to treat critically ill coronavirus disease patients, the government diverted all liquid oxygen intended for non-medical purposes and the manufacturing industry to medical use in April last week. At the time, the only industries exempted were defence, ampoule and vial manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
“The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) may allow use of liquid oxygen to the above-mentioned industries/projects/units on a temporary basis subject to ensuring an adequate supply of liquid medical oxygen to hospitals and other medical purposes as per demands of states/Union Territories as well as adequate supply to industries/projects/units,” according to the ministry’s order.
The DPIIT had been approached by the industries in this regard. According to people familiar with the situation, the oxygen supply was reviewed, and it was determined that there is no shortage in any hospital.
