PM Modi virtually inaugurates 2 PSA oxygen plants of SMCH which can generate 1000 litres of O2 1/min

Oct. 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated two pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants of Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMC&H) on Thursday. PM, Modi, who inaugurated the SMC&H’s oxygen plant from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, also inaugurated many other plants in different states and union territories on the day.

A programme was organised on the occasion in the premises of SMC&H. MP Dr Rajdeep Roy, MLAs Dipayan Chakraborty and Khalil Uddin Mazumder, Cachar BJP president Bimalendu Roy, Cachar Deputy Commissioner, Keerthi Jalli, Cachar Superintendent of Police Ramandeep Kaur and SMC&H’s Principal Babul Bezbaruah among others were present. A public display system was set up on which the invited guests witnessed the inauguration of the oxygen plants. The plants have been established under the PM CARES fund.

Addressing a gathering at AIIMS, Rishikesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country has battled the corona virus pandemic in a commendable manner despite having issues like huge population and high oxygen demand among others. The fight against Covid-19 has been successful so far because of the united and dedicated efforts of the countrymen, he said.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to boost health infrastructure ranging from production of masks and protective kits to development of vaccine and its roll out across the country and asserted their development in such a short period of time shows the capabilities of the country. With the new plants, over 1,150 oxygen plans funded by PM CARES fund are working and every district in the country has now been covered by them, he said. The PM also said it will be a matter of pride for every citizen that more than 93 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far and that the figure will cross 100 crore soon.

Later, while speaking to the media at SMC&H, MP,Dr Rajdeep Roy said the Centre under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done an exceptional job in fighting with the Covid-19 pandemic. There was shortage of oxygen (at SMCH and across the country), however, the Centre along with all the state governments made prompt efforts and arranged oxygen plants to meet the demand, he said.

He said SMC&H is equipped with all kinds of facilities to deal with the third wave of corona virus (if it arrives). There is no need for the citizens of Barak Valley to worry. SMC&H is fully prepared to handle any situation related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the MP claimed. MP Dr Roy further stated that necessary steps for arrangement set up for fire extinguishing services would be taken soon at SMC&H, as oxygen is a highly combustible gas.

Principal, SMC&H Dr Babul Bezbaruah also spoke on the occasion. In his address, he said that with the inauguration of the two new oxygen plants at the hospital, the demand for oxygen will be fulfilled. He said that two Oxygen generation plants which was inaugurated in SMC&H on Thursday, have the capacity of generating 1000 litres of Oxygen per minute. About Covid-19, echoing with the view of MP,Dr Rajdeep Roy ,he also said that SMC&H is prepared to handle the Covid-19’s third wave (if it arrives). He, however, appealed to everyone to follow Covid protocols like wearing of masks in public places and maintaining social distancing to keep corona virus at bay.