Small hospitals object to oxygen plants rule
Cite space constraints, maintenance problems
Establishing oxygen plants in hospitals as ordered by the state government is not feasible, stated the Telangana Small Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association.
Such plants require space, investment and the technical know-how to maintain the plant and safety aspect to avoid leakages. Hospitals, which are in residential areas, commercial hubs and in industrial zones, do not have sufficient space.
The order issued by the director of public health states that hospitals which do not comply with the order by August 30 will face cancellation of their recognition. The orders issued on July 26 said that those who have more that 100 beds must set up oxygen plants.
Dr Lav Kumar, president of Indian Medical Association (IMA)-Telangana chapter, said, “Setting up oxygen plants in small and medium hospitals is neither feasible nor viable. Instead the government must set up a plant in each district and supply oxygen to all hospitals at a nominal price. This will ensure regular supply to both government and private hospitals.”
Another problem is that all hospitals are not treating Covid-19 patients. In fact, those that are registered with the government for treatment of Covid, are also protesting as the prices have not been revised despite their constant pleas. The small hospitals have been trying to discuss with the health officials but to no avail.
Dr V. Rakesh, vice-president of Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association, says, “It is the responsibility of the health department to identify places to set up oxygen plants. There are technical issues involved in which safety is a major aspect. If they make it compulsory, many hospitals will not take Covid-19 patients if a third wave materialises.”
The other challenge noted is that oxygen is also required for home care facilities and they are dependent on the supplier. A large number of patients who have been treated at home have got cylinders supplied by NGOs.
Dr Mohan Gupta, senior member of IMA, says, “The complete oxygen requirement during the peak of a wave is at different levels. Everyone does not rush to hospitals. There are some patients who have been moving for hours in ambulances also. Given different types of requirements, a hospital with a plant is not the complete solution. Also what will hospitals do in non-peak times? Presently, there are no cases in some hospitals.”
Small hospital managements state that the action of the government in terms of policy for Covid-19 patients is creating more challenges. They are of the opinion that it will only lead to more chaos in the third wave.