VISAKHAPATNAM: With the Omicron scare looming large across the world, the Andhra Pradesh state government is readying ‘Oxygen Stewards’ to effectively handle medical oxygen therapy at yet-to-be designated Covid-19 hospitals during the anticipated third wave, which is likely to hit the country from January.
This apart, an Oxycare, like the Covid-19 dashboard, is also being readied in full swing for making oxygen administration just a click away.
The state government may preliminarily have at least 30 Oxygen Stewards covering each district to monitor the oxygen supply management at the 700-odd Covid-19 to be re-designated hospitals if situation demands.
The concept of Oxygen Stewards was launched across the country by the Centre amid rising Omicron scare. The members of oxygen committee of Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) here are also attending the training programme, being held online across the nation.
Confirming this to Deccan Chronicle, VIMS director Dr K. Rambabu said, “Our oxygen committee members are being trained on the Oxygen Stewardship through Zoom meetings by the Centre. It will be essential for effective utilisation of oxygen and mitigation of oxygen wastage.”
The oxygen committee members will be empowered with essential knowledge and skills to ensure rational utilisation and avoid any waste of medical oxygen. These trained professionals will be responsible for handling the oxygen therapy and also support the audit of the oxygen delivery and preparedness during the surge of the possible pandemic waves and rising number of Omicron cases.
“Yes, the state government is taking up all possible measures for effectively handling any kind of situation in future. On Wednesday, we confirmed the second Omicron case,” AP state health director Dr Hymavathi told this newspaper.
Andhra Medical College principal Dr P.V. Sudhakar said they did not face any demand for medical oxygen in the first wave, but the same became an essential for almost every case during the second wave, particularly in the peak period from April to June.
“We do not know what the third wave is. But, people will have to sincerely follow all main Covid protocols like physical distance, vaccination and wearing masks,” Dr Sudhakar said.
