Karnataka releases circular mandating setting up of State, District and BBMP Oxygen Cell and Oxygen HELPLINE

On 9th May , 2021 the Government of Karnataka released a circular with detailed guidelines for the management of oxygen during the second wave. The State Government set out instructions for the creation of a State Oxygen Cell and Oxygen Helpline. Similar helplines were required to be set up at the district and BBMP Central and Zonal level.

Relevant extracts of the guidelines have been reproduced below-

1. Each district shall set up a District Oxygen Cell immediately.

2. It shall function 24x7.

3. Composition of District Oxygen Cell

   • Additional Deputy Commissioner shall head the District Oxygen Cell.

   • The Cell shall also have by a dedicated and exclusive District Oxygen Nodal Officer who will be incharge of minute-to-minute operations

   • Cell shall have such other staff and officials as are necessary.

   • Cell shall have requisite Computer Systems & dedicated computer operator

4. A 24x7 HELPLINE shall be part of the District Oxygen Cell and manned by adequate staff/operator. The HELPLINE numbers shall be disseminated widely through press, media and social media and also put on district websites so as to enable all hospitals to reach out to District Administration for any oxygen emergencies or needs at any time.

5. The Camp Officers in the Re-Filling Stations, the Officers of the Drug Control Department for purposes of management of oxygen shall report to the District Oxygen Cell who shall ensure that Re-Filler Stations work as per these guidelines.

6. The District Oxygen Cell shall

   • Keep a watch over all the Re-Fillers in their district as well as the Re-Fillers who supply oxygen to their district even if they are outside the district.

   • Keep continuous and close watch over oxygen supplies at Re-Filler level as well as the supplies to the hospitals. The instructions issued vide Order No RD 158 TNR 2020 (3) dated 3.5.2021 shall be strictly followed and relevant formats on oxygen supplies shall be daily filled up.

   • Keep database of all hospitals in the district and their oxygen requirements and their oxygen suppliers.

   • Coordinate and solve any medical oxygen emergencies in any hospital.

   • The Cell & officers in the Cell shall be available 24x7 to all the hospitals via the HELPLINE numbers as well as personally.

   • Ensure that all medical oxygen complaints and emergencies are addressed immediately.

7. Coordinate with the State Oxygen Unit and State Oxygen Nodal Officers for oxygen requirements and issues in the district.