New Delhi: As a significant development to support the crippling health care infrastructure, the PM CARES Fund has sanctioned Rs 322.5 crore for the procurement of 1,50,000 units of the Oxycare system developed by DRDO. 50,000 automatic and 1,00,000 manual Oxycare systems along with non-rebreather masks are documented for procurement.
The system was developed by the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru for soldiers posted in extremely high altitude areas. ‘Oxycare’ is a SpO2-based oxygen supply system that regulates the oxygen being administered to patients based on the sensed SpO2 levels. It prevents the person from sinking into a state of hypoxia which can be fatal.
This indigenously built system is speculated to be effective in COVID-19 treatment. The DRDO has transferred its technology to multiple industries across the country which will be producing the Oxycare systems.
Apart from this, DRDO has also pledged to set up seven medical oxygen plants in Orissa in collaboration with
NHAI will cover the civil and electrical demands while DRDO sets up the technical aspect. CGM of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Odisha, Ram Prasad Panda, said,” The plants will come up at Boudh, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Gajapati, Jharsuguda, Nayagarh and Koraput districts.”
DRDO under its massive drive has decided to set up 500 medical oxygen plants across the country within 3 months with a capacity of generating 1,000 litres of oxygen per minute.