NMMC to generate own O2 ahead of 3rd wave

NAVI MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is gearing up for the third wave, which is expected post-August, by increasing its oxygen generation capacity, number of ventilators and Covid centres among others.

Due to the oxygen shortage in the second wave, NMMC has decided to produce oxygen on its own. Around five PSA plants are planned in Navi Mumbai, work of which has already begun at Vashi Municipal hospital. Others are planned at Cidco Exhibition Centre, for which the tender has already been published. Another tender would be published for Airoli municipal hospital soon. Locations for another two are yet to be finalised.

Besides, NMMC plans one liquid oxygen plant of 50 metric tons on Public-Private Partnership

(PPP). “We have done the feasibility of the project in which there are some issues. Oxygen plants need a metal plant in the nearby area in order to supply the excess gas produced. Navi Mumbai doesn’t have a metal plant in NMMC or MIDC areas. We are working out what can be done in such a case. While half of the oxygen would be used by the municipal hospitals, the other half would be sold to the private hospitals,” NMMC chief Abhijit Bangar said.

During the peak of the second wave, the consumption of oxygen by the municipal hospitals was 15 metric tons and another 15 metric tons by the private hospitals. “The total consumption was 30 metric tonnes in the city. Since we will have double the ICU beds for the third wave, the consumption of oxygen only by the municipal hospitals would be close to 30 metric tonnes,” Bangar added.

Meanwhile, since the government has now made influenza vaccination compulsory for the children, the corporation has now started a door-to-door drive to verify the immunisation of children till the age of 15.

No takers for vax tenders

On May 16, NMMC had floated a global tender for procuring vaccination for which the last day was May 22. Due to no response from any company, the date has now been extended to May 29.

BACHCHAN KUMAR/ HT PHOTO NMMC beds getting ready in anticipation of third wave.