In preparation for a possible third wave, civic body is setting up oxygen bottling plant at Mahul, which will have capacity to refill 1,500 jumbo cylinders daily
A man loads an oxygen cylinder in a taxi at CSMT. File pic
Learning from the struggles during the second Covid-19 wave, when patients were shifted from one hospital to another due to shortage, the BMC has decided to expand its oxygen generation and refilling plants. The preparations are on in view of the anticipated third outbreak of novel Coronavirus.
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At present, the BMC recharges Dura and Jumbo oxygen cylinders at the supplier's plants at Rabale and Turbhe. As both the public and private hospitals have to rely on this sole supplier in times of emergency, the civic body has decided to set up an oxygen bottling plant to fill up jumbo cylinders near BPCL in Mahul at the cost of R21 crore. It’s plan is to become self-reliant in terms of oxygen supply.
Bharat Petroleum Mumbai Refinery (BPCL) has agreed to supply about 10 to 15 metric tonnes of oxygen daily to the BMC’s bottling plant for free during the pandemic. The BMC aims to make the bottling plant equipped enough to refill 1,500 jumbo oxygen cylinders, each having a capacity of 7.1 cubic meters, daily during emergencies. This plant will ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply across the city when needed, officials said.
A civic official said, “The contractor has to finish the project within three months of receiving the work order and will also be responsible for transportation of jumbo cylinders after refilling. The contract will be of five years and include service, maintenance, etc., of this plant.”
In addition, work is underway to set up 16 oxygen generation plants across nine hospitals. The BMC has also floated tenders for oxygen generation plants at Jumbo COVID Care Centres.
The refilling station at Mahalaxmi where approximately 40 to 45 Dura cylinders can be filled daily is almost ready. The BMC is waiting for the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation certification. One Dura cylinder can hold 175 cubic meters of oxygen.
Officials said these plants have been planned to enhance patient care and lift the burden off oxygen producers and suppliers.
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No. of oxygen generation plants BMC is setting up
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