The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday, released the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management.

According to the official statement from the ministry, the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management aim to enhance medical oxygen infrastructure and establish standardized best practices across healthcare facilities. The guidelines cover protocols for procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, capacity building, and emergency preparedness.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava underscored the importance of maintaining and effectively utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure to ensure readiness for any surge in demand during emergencies. She highlighted the lessons learned from India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the need for sustained preparedness.

The guidelines were launched at a workshop held at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. The event also marked the launch of the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, which will be led by the Department of Hospital Administration at AIIMS, Delhi.

AIIMS Director Prof. M. Srinivas reiterated the institution’s commitment to training healthcare professionals across the country. “Capacity building is essential for effective oxygen management. This program will equip healthcare workers with the necessary skills to handle medical oxygen efficiently and ensure patient safety,” he said.

The National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, an initiative of the Disaster Management Cell under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with AIIMS Delhi, seeks to train 200 master trainers nationwide. These trainers will subsequently conduct training sessions for hospital administrators and medical officers to ensure the proper handling and efficient use of medical oxygen, minimizing wastage and improving clinical outcomes.