Delhi Govt Begins Oxygen Concentrator Banks For Patients In Home Isolation, Here's How You Can Access Service

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the government's initiative wherein it has started Oxygen Concentrator Banks (OCBs) for patients who are in home isolation.

File Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced the launch of oxygen concentrator banks for patients in home isolation.

In an online briefing, CM Kejriwal said that the government has started oxygen concentrator banks for patients who are in home isolation and require oxygen support.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal once again spoke about the improving Covid-19 situation in Delhi as the national capital recorded 6,500 new cases in the past 24 hours and the positivity rate declined to 11 percent as compared to over 8,500 cases reported on Friday while the positivity rate was 12 percent.

He also said that though daily cases have dipped, the state government will not let its guard down and keep fighting the pandemic.

"Corona's impact is going down in Delhi. 1000 ICU beds have been set up within 15 days, our doctors and engineers have set an example before the world. I thank them," he said.

The Chief Minister then went on to announce the government's initiative wherein it has started Oxygen Concentrator Banks (OCBs) for patients who are in home isolation.

Explaining the need for the OCBs, he said it was being seen how when Covid patients report low oxygen levels timely supply of oxygen can help in saving their lives. Otherwise, they need to be admitted to ICU and in certain cases, they nevertheless lose their lives. 

The 11 districts of Delhi will be given 200 oxygen concentrators each and these will be provided to patients in home isolation on the recommendation of doctors, he informed adding that the government's team will provide the critical supply to patients in need within 2 hours.

A person with technical expertise will guide the families about how to operate the oxygen concentrators.

Those persons who have been discharged from the hospital after treatment of Covid-19 will also be provided concentrators if recommended by doctors, he added.

To access this service, a patient will have to become a part of the government's home isolation group by calling 1031. After this, a team of doctors will review their condition and assess whether the person in concern needs an oxygen concentrator. Only after its recommendation, the government will provide a concentrator to the patient's home, CM Kejriwal said.

Previously, the Delhi CM had announced to provide financial assistance to the families who have lost their earning members to Coronavirus along with children who lost both parents to the infection. The government has committed to educating such children in government schools for free.