PSA oxygen plants under PM CARES inaugurated across Nagaland

Dimapur, Oct. 7 (EMN): Along with the rest of the country, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants were inaugurated in various districts across Nagaland on Thursday. The oxygen plants were set up under Prime Minister's Citizens Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situation (PM Cares) Fund to meet the demand of oxygen for Covid-19 patients in the districts.

Dimapur: The PSA oxygen plants were dedicated at District Hospital Dimapur and Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, by Rev. S Vitoshe Swu, president of Dimapur Baptist Pastor’s Fellowship, and pastor Supong Jamir respectively on October 7.

An update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Dimapur, stated that Rev. Swu dedicated the 200 litre per minute (LPM) PSA oxygen plant at District Hospital Dimapur, while pastor Jamir dedicated the 1000 LPM PSA oxygen plant at CIHSR.

In his inaugural speech, Rev. Swu termed the pandemic a ‘blessing in disguise’ as people have learnt the value of health for which the government has developed and improved a lot in the health sector such as setting up of oxygen plants and other health equipment and infrastructure in all the District Hospitals in the state. He also appreciated all the healthcare workers for their tireless efforts.

The programme at District Hospital was chaired by Dr. Khrielasanuo Metha, medical superintendent of District Hospital Dimapur, while the invocation prayer was said by Rev. Yhunlo Thong.

After the programme, participants also attended the nationwide virtual dedication of PSA oxygen plants by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At CIHSR, Dr. Sedevi Angami, director gave an introduction on setting up of the PSA oxygen plant, while Kalyan, bio-medical technician, gave a brief explanation on the functioning of the plant in the presence of Dr. Viu Meru, deputy director.

Phek: Along with the rest of the nation, a 500 LPM (PSA) oxygen plant was inaugurated at District Hospital Phek by the deputy commissioner of Phek, Razouvolie Dozo, on October 7.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Razouvolie expressed happiness and conveyed his gratitude to the central and state governments as well as the department of Health and Family Welfare for installing two PSA oxygen plants in the district.

While sharing the status of Covid-19 vaccination and testing in the district, the DC urged the stakeholders and various organisations to give more efforts in improving Covid vaccination and testing.

The dedicatory prayer was said by Rev. Dr. Thupucuyi Khesoh, pastor of PTBC Phek.

Longleng: The deputy commissioner of Longleng, M Shayung Phom, inaugurated the 250 LPM oxygen plant at community health centre (CHC), Yachem, on October 7 and the dedicatory prayer was said by Rev. K Simon Phom, pastor of PBCA Longleng.

In his speech, the deputy commissioner appreciated the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, and Health minister, S Pangnyu Phom for installing oxygen plants in all the districts of Nagaland along with the rest of the country.

As thousands have lost their lives due to lack of oxygen in the past, he was optimistic that nation-wide inauguration of an oxygen plant would meet the scarcity and save the lives of people.

Shayung also called upon various authorities in Yachem village to take full responsibility and ownership of the oxygen plant to cater best medical services to the people of the district and also extend full cooperation and support to the medical staff.

In her keynote address, CMO of Longleng Dr. Obangjungla clarified that shifting of oxygen plant to Yachem CHC was taken after analysing all the pros and cons with consultation from higher ups and DTF as the present District Hospital lacks space and would be shifted again to the new hospital site. She urged the gathering not to create misunderstanding but to have a farsighted vision for all-round development of the district.

A DIPR report stated that senior superintendent of police H Kuhovi Sema, medical superintendent Dr. Kibangkumba, representative from Phom People’s Council Phaushi, and chairman of Yachem village council Isakumba also spoke at the programme.

Tuensang: The deputy commissioner of Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant, inaugurated the 500 LPM PM Cares oxygen plant at the District Hospital Tuensang on October 7.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, Ramnikant felt that oxygen plants should be set up in other private sectors including some health units such as CHC and PHC with the help of NGO. He requested the staff of the District Hospital to properly maintain the facilities and also report to the administration on problems such as shortage of manpower.

Briefing on the PSA plant, medical officer Dr. Y Imlongchaba stated that the existing oxygen plant has a total capacity for 50-60 patients. To ensure availability of oxygen in the district, he requested the district administration and civil societies to appeal to the rightful department for bottling plants, which would be helpful for the citizens of Tuensang and neighbouring Noklak district.

Kiphire: The deputy commissioner of Kiphire, T Wati Aier, inaugurated the 250 LPM PSA oxygen plant at District Hospital Kiphire on October 7.

In his inaugural speech, the deputy commissioner acknowledged the Health department for its tireless work and urged to continue the services with the same zeal even in the future.

In his welcome address, the chief medical officer (CMO), Kiphire, Dr. E Motsuthung Patton, mentioned the importance of the oxygen plant stating that it would be of immense help to the district not only during the pandemic but also in the years to come.

The inaugural programme was chaired by the medical superintendent Dr. Bendangsenla Ao, while the invocation prayer was said by the associate pastor of KTBL Alison, and the vote of thanks was delivered by the medical officer Dr. Holiba A Anar.

PSA oxygen plants were also inaugurated in Mon, Peren, Jalukie, and Wokha.