Availability of oxygen and ICU ventilator facilities have been increased in view of Omicron emergence: Minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has said that the availability of oxygen and ICU ventilator facilities in the state has been made sure in view of the fact that Omicron has been confirmed in various countries. "The state produces 354.43 metric tons of oxygen per day. At present, the state needs only 65 metric tons of oxygen per day. The state has become self-sufficient in oxygen. Also, there is an additional reserve", she said.

The health department had already made preparations foreseeing the third wave of Covid. Oxygen availability in Kerala was not affected in any way during the second wave. Previously there were only 4 oxygen generators. An additional 38 oxygen generators were installed ahead of the third wave. It has the capacity to produce 89.93 metric tons of oxygen per day. In addition, work is underway to install 18 oxygen generators. It can produce an additional 29.63 metric tons of oxygen.

There are 14 air separation units in various parts of the state. It produces 65 metric tons of oxygen a day. It also has the capacity to produce 207.5 metric tons of liquid oxygen per day.

The storage capacity of liquid oxygen is also increased. The public and private sectors currently have a storage capacity of 1802.72 MT of liquid oxygen. Work is in progress to set up an additional storage capacity of 174.72 MT.

ICU beds and ventilators are available. Government hospitals in the state have 3107 ICU beds and 2293 ventilators. Of these, only 267 ICU beds and 77 ventilators have Covid patients. There are 983 ICU beds and 219 ventilators occupied by other patients. Only 40.2 percent of ICU beds and 12.9 percent of ventilators have been occupied. In addition, there are 7468 ICU beds and 2432 ventilators in private hospitals. She said the government has also ensured the co-operation of private hospitals in case of shortage of ICU and ventilator facilities in the sector.