Media Release
Udupi, May 22: C G Muthana, regional chief operating officer of teaching hospital said, “In view of the current Covid pandemic and possible third wave, we are installing a 1500 LPM plant on-site oxygen generator on an urgent basis at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal and 500 LPM plant on-site oxygen generator at KMC Hospital Attavar, Mangaluru as a stand by arrangement to cater to any emergency situation. During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, short supply of medical oxygen is being experienced all over India. Considering this, the current facility at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal and KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangaluru were examined along with replenishment logistics to assess the situation. Since Kasturba Hospital, Manipal and KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangaluru are also treating Covid patients, the requirement needs to be taken care of on priority.”
Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal said, “The Kasturba Hospital, Manipal is a 2032-bed hospital and medical oxygen is required for 26 OTs including minor OTs, 250 ICU beds, 900 other beds with 2 outlets. Due to the current sudden spike in Covid cases, it is observed that daily consumption of liquid medical oxygen is 2200 litres/day which otherwise is 1600 litres/day during normal days. The hospital has a capacity of liquid medical oxygen storage tank of 20,000 litres which is replenished twice a week by Cryogenic Tanker from Bellari (approximately 380 KM). From this LMO tank, only 15,400 litre can be used due to technical reasons. This caters to seven days of requirement. As a backup, there are 121 jumbo cylinders of 7Cu Mtr capacity, which are stored at two places in the hospital. These are replenished from nearby places (Mulki and Kaup)."
Dr John T Rampure, medical superintendent of KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangaluru said, “KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangaluru is a 610-bed hospital and medical oxygen is required for 10 OTs including minor OTs, 44 ICU beds, 113 other beds with two outlets. At present, due to the increase in Covid cases, it is observed that daily consumption of liquid medical oxygen is 600 litre/day which otherwise is 300 litre/day during normal days. The hospital has a capacity of LMO storage tank of 6000 litre which is replenished twice a week by cryogenic tankers. We have a backup of 42 jumbo cylinders."
The 1500 LPM plant installation requires 400 square feet for the area and the suitable area adjacent to the existing cylinder storage area has been identified. The total cost including plant cost, associated civil works, electrical panels/works, miscellaneous costs etc is approximately Rs 2.5 crore. The 500 LPM plant installation requires 100 square feet area. The total cost including plant cost, associated civil works, electrical panels/works, miscellaneous costs etc is approximately Rs 1.10 crore. This process will be complete in another 4-5 months.
MAHE, Manipal is always a pioneer in creating infrastructure and providing services to society. In this regard, MAHE has taken the initiative in establishing its own oxygen generator to provide the best of care during this pandemic also. The management believes this to be very beneficial to the general public.