Covid-19: Maharashtra requires manufacturers of medical oxygen to ensure storage of 95% of the entire capacity

MUMBAI: The government of Maharashtra has issued fresh guidelines to liquid medical oxygen manufacturers (LMO) in the State in an effort to prepare for a possible third wave of Covid-19.

Manufacturers and refillers were asked to maintain storage at 95% of their full capacity levels by September 30 and to maintain storage levels up to additional orders.

In the Order issued by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte there were seven lakho active cases with an 1850MT of oxygen requirement between April and June 2021 and it was shown at that time that some manufacturers had reported significantly depleted LMO inventories.

To achieve 95 per cent storage capacity, LMO manufacturers have to ensure that their plants run at full production capacity.

District collectors also have been asked to maintain the highest feasible levels of oxygen storage in their areas.

The public health department must adjust non-medical oxygen use with medical use as the cases start to rise.

Maharashtra produces nearly 1400 MT of oxygen every day, but due to the increase in oxygen demand during the second wave, they had to rely on supply from other faraway states like Jharkhand and Odisha.

The state has begun the installation of several PSA oxygen plants to augment supply.