Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the intervention of Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan regarding allocation of 19 more Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) medical oxygen plants in 15 districts of Odisha.
In a letter to Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister wrote: “India is facing one of its toughest battles against the 2nd wave of COVID-19, the invisible enemy. As cases surge exponentially across the country. Hon’ble Prime Minister has bolstered the ongoing concerted drive against the pandemic by taking several more critical initiatives and crucial decisions to extend all possible assistance to States in battling the spread of the virus. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to your Ministry and its officials in sparing no effort in supporting Odisha in COVID-19 management and preparedness.”
“Last month, Hon’ble Prime Minister accorded emergency approval for installation of 551 dedicated PSA medical oxygen plants in public health facilities across the country from PMCaresFund, in addition to the 162 PSA plants allocated earlier. It has been decided to set up 21 PSA plants across various districts of Odisha; 7 are being set up by DRDO, 7 by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and 7 by Government of India, stated Pradhan.
“However, in view of the wide-spread impact of COVID-19 second wave in Odisha, more districts need to be covered and supported further. In this context. I request your personal intervention in setting up of additional 19 PSA medical oxygen plants in 15 districts as proposed by the State Government.. i.e., Balasore (2), Bolangir (2), Cuttack (1), Deogarh (1), Dhenkanal (1), Ganjam (2), Jagatsinghapur (1), Kendrapara (1), Khordha (1), Koraput (1), Mayurbhanj (2), Pun (1), Rayagada (1), Sambalpur (1) and Sonepur (1). The setting up of these plants on a war-footing will go a long way insupporting the Covid-19 treatment of patients across Odisha,” he added.
“I once again urge your personal intervention as the matter is most urgent and timely action will help save precious lives of people living in different parts of Odisha, ” Pradhan said.
