Why is there a shortage of medical oxygen in India?

A look at reasons behind shortage of medical oxygen as India’s underfunded healthcare system struggles. A devastating surge in coronavirus infections has exposed India’s dilapidated health infrastructure and a chronic shortage of oxygen – a key treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients.

How much oxygen does India produce?

Experts say India is producing enough oxygen, at just over 7,000 tons a day. Most is for industrial use but can be diverted for medical purposes. The Indian government has now directed most of the country’s supply of industrially produced oxygen toward the health care system.

How is India sending oxygen to hospitals hit by covid-19?

NEW DELHI, April 23 (Reuters) – By air, by train and by road, India is scrambling to move large quantities of medical oxygen to hospitals in its capital New Delhi and other areas hit hard by a record surge of COVID-19. ARE HOSPITALS RUNNING OUT OF OXYGEN?

Is a global oxygen crisis looming?

The New York Times recently reported on a looming global oxygen crisis, but there were concerns about India’s oxygen supplies dating back to September. In areas with more resources, oxygen is purified off-site into a liquid form, transported by trucks with massive tanks, and stored in hospitals.

How will covid-19 affect India’s oxygen supply?

If Covid-19 spreads to rural India, where pipelines for liquid oxygen cannot be quickly laid and a reliable supply of oxygen cylinders might not be available, it could impact Covid-19 fatality rates. Oxygen is artificially produced via oxygen concentrators or generators at gas plants around the country.

Is India ready for 24×7 road transport of medical oxygen?

India does not have enough cryogenic tankers to ensure 24×7 road transport of medical oxygen. Now when oxygen is being transported from one state to another, the travel time it takes from the manufacturer to a patient’s bed has increased from 3-5 days to 6-8 days.