SRINAGAR: The Government of India has confirmed the installation of 32 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants in Jammu and Kashmir as part of a nationwide initiative to bolster healthcare infrastructure. In a statement presented to the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted that a total of 1,561 PSA plants have been commissioned across the country, with 1,225 of them established under the PM CARES Fund and 336 by various public sector undertakings, including those of the Ministries of Petroleum, Power, and Railways.
This initiative aims to enhance the availability of medical oxygen, a critical resource, particularly in rural and under-served regions. Jammu and Kashmir is among the states and union territories benefiting from this expansion, which seeks to ensure readiness in addressing respiratory health challenges and emergencies.
The government also acknowledged the adverse impact of nitrogenous compounds in the air on public health, citing findings from an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study conducted in Delhi. The study linked elevated levels of compounds like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) with increased cases of wheezing and emergency health visits. The Ministry has implemented measures such as emission standards for thermal power plants, the promotion of electric vehicles, and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to combat air pollution and reduce nitrogenous compound levels.
Other initiatives under the government’s strategy include the deployment of BS-VI fuel standards and programmes promoting biogas as an alternative fuel, reflecting a broader commitment to mitigating environmental health risks.
With these measures, the government aims to not only address the immediate need for oxygen supply but also create a robust response framework for managing public health issues related to air pollution and respiratory illnesses.
