India Launches National Guidelines and Capacity Building for Medical Oxygen Management

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with AIIMS Delhi, has launched the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management and a Capacity Building Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the country's medical oxygen infrastructure, focusing on efficient management, patient safety, and preparedness for emergencies.

In a major health initiative, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare unveiled the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management at a workshop hosted by AIIMS, Delhi. Accompanying this announcement was the launch of the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, spearheaded by AIIMS' Department of Hospital Administration. Tuesday's event underscored a significant stride in bolstering India's medical oxygen framework.

Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, highlighted the pivotal need for diligent maintenance and utilization of the medical oxygen infrastructure to swiftly meet surge demands during emergencies. She urged healthcare systems to integrate lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. AIIMS Director, Prof. M Srinivas, emphasized training and awareness as critical components of the capacity-building initiative.

This development represents a crucial step in standardizing oxygen management practices across healthcare facilities nationwide. The comprehensive guidelines offer strategies for efficient procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen, focusing on safety and emergency readiness. The new programme, in partnership with the Disaster Management Cell, aims to train 200 master trainers to enhance the skills of hospital administrators and medical officers, ensuring better oxygen handling, minimized wastage, and improved clinical results.

The event witnessed participation from senior health ministry officials, AIIMS staff, and medical experts from across India, signaling a unified effort to fortify the country's health infrastructure. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)