The Centre has reviewed the preparedness status of the Entire spectrum of oxygen infrastructure including PSA Plants, Oxygen Concentrators and Oxygen Cylinders and Ventilators with States and Union Territories. Union Health Secretary chaired a high-level meeting in this regard for timely and effective management of the COVID19 pandemic through a Video Conference.<br />'' <br />''Underlining the challenge posed by increasing number of COVID cases across the country with the focus on Omicron, Union Health Secretary emphasized that it is the primary and critical responsibility of States and UTs to ensure all oxygen equipment, till the field level at all health facilities is tested and kept in a functional state to meet any emergent situation.<br />'' <br />''States and UTs were urged to ensure full and optimal utilization of Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package- Phase-II funds through daily reviews. Under it, funds are also made available for installing Liquid Medical Oxygen tanks and Medical Gas Pipeline Systems. Mr Bhushan also urged the concerned States to commission PSA plants being set up under state's own funds and CSR funds on a war-footing through daily reviews. States were also asked to ensure that mock drill of the PSA plants are carried out to ensure that oxygen flow at the patient bedside adheres to adequate purity, recommended outlet pressure with no leakages. During the meeting, States were exhorted to also monitor installation of PSA plants in private hospital facilities and Medical College Hospitals.<br />''Union Health Secretary also emphasized that States need to ensure that the delivered ventilators are quickly installed and commissioned at the designated field health facilities.<br />'' <br />''It was also pointed out that the Union Health Ministry has started the National Oxygen Stewardship Program from 22nd December last year  and States need to ensure that Technical Training of the operators is completed across the country. More than 1600 candidates joined the said training programme covering 738 districts.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">States were also urged to buffer stock details of drugs with Government hospitals as well as with Medical Colleges on the Drugs and Vaccine Distribution Management System portal.</span><br />