<span style="color: #222222;">The Union Government has urged States and Union Territories to ensure that no restriction is imposed on movement of Medical Oxygen between states. The Health Ministry said it has come to the knowledge that few states are trying to curb the free inter-state movement of oxygen supplies by exercising provisions under various Acts. They are also mandating the manufacturers and suppliers located in the state to restrict their oxygen supplies to only the hospitals of the state.<br />''<br />''Union Health Secretary has written a letter in this regard to States and UTs. The Ministry has emphasised that availability of adequate and uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen is an important prerequisite for managing moderate and severe cases of COVID-19. It has been strongly reinforced that it is the responsibility of every state to ensure that every hospitalized COVID patient receives oxygen. As on date, less than 3.7 per cent of active patients are on oxygen support.</span><br />