Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 28: At present, Dakshina Kannada district is not facing any shortage of medical oxygen. However, as a precautionary measure and to handle possible future exigencies, preparations are under way to set up separate oxygen unit.

In tune with the centre's instructions to the local administrations, the district administration here has conceived this idea. The unit is proposed to be set up with the support of various industrial concerns.

A meeting of representatives of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers (MCF) and other such units is being held in the office of the deputy commissioner here on Wednesday April 28 to discuss this issue. The meeting will be chaired by MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel.

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Sources said that the present aim is to set up separate oxygen units in all the taluk level hospitals including Wenlock Hospital in Dakshina Kannada district. It has also been decided to buy large cylinders. Industries are expected to extend assistance for the same. Gas Authority of India Led is expected to extend special assistance for the unit.

Currently the demand for oxygen stands at about 6,000 cubic litres in Dakshina Kannada and 4,000 in Udupi district. These demands are met by the production units in Mangaluru. As all the eight medical college hospitals and Wenlock Hospital have oxygen storage plants, it is possible to store oxygen needed for some days here. A unit engaged in refilling of liquid oxygen bought from Kerala is functioning at Baikampady. Another unit makes oxygen by compressing natural air. Almost all the hospitals in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts get oxygen from here.