New Delhi [India], March 27: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management at a workshop held at AIIMS, Delhi. The event also marked the launch of the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, spearheaded by the Department of Hospital Administration at AIIMS, Delhi.
Strengthening Oxygen Infrastructure
Speaking at the workshop, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the importance of maintaining and utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure to handle surge demands during health emergencies. She highlighted the lessons learned from India’s COVID-19 response, stressing the need for preparedness and efficient resource management.
AIIMS Director, Prof. M Srinivas, underscored the role of capacity-building programs, emphasizing the importance of training and awareness at all levels of healthcare to ensure effective oxygen management.
Key Highlights of the National Guidelines
The National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management aim to:
✅ Standardize best practices in oxygen management across healthcare facilities
✅ Improve procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen
✅ Enhance patient safety and emergency preparedness
✅ Reduce oxygen wastage and improve clinical outcomes
National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management
Led by the Disaster Management Cell of the Health Ministry in collaboration with AIIMS, Delhi, the initiative will:
📌 Train 200 master trainers across India
📌 Enable trainers to educate hospital administrators and medical officers in medical oxygen handling
📌 Focus on reducing wastage and ensuring efficient utilization of oxygen in hospitals
The workshop was attended by senior Health Ministry officials, AIIMS faculty, medical professionals, and experts from across the country. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening India’s medical oxygen infrastructure and ensuring readiness for future healthcare challenges.