In backdrop of Covid19, Centre releases National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management

In a bid to ensure best practices in oxygen management, the Union health ministry on Thursday released a ‘National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management’ to strengthen the medical oxygen infrastructure across healthcare facilities in the country.

Releasing the guidelines at a workshop held at AIIMS Delhi, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stressed on the need for inculcating learnings from India’s management of COVID-19 pandemic. She also emphasized the critical role of properly maintaining and utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure so that demands for any surge capacities may be met promptly at time of any exigencies.

The comprehensive guidelines provide a framework for the efficient procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen, with a focus on patient safety, capacity building, and emergency preparedness.

A National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management was also launched on the occasion which will be led by AIIMS administration department. It aims to train around 200 master trainers across the country which in turn shall undertake capacity building of hospital administrators and medical officers across the country in proper handling and utilization of medical oxygen, reducing wastage and improving clinical outcomes.Prof. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS highlighted the institute’s role in spearheading the capacity-building program and stressed the importance of training and awareness at all levels of healthcare.