Karnataka advisor urges steel units to produce oxygen
Dr Vishal Rao of Karnataka Covid task force requests steel makers to tweak processes and produce badly needed oxygen
BENGALURU:
While Karnataka’s politicians are repeatedly claiming that there is no shortage of medical oxygen in the state, a member of the state government’s own Covid task force has made an open admission to the contrary.
In a Facebook post on Saturday night, Dr Vishal Rao, Associate Dean, Academics, HCG, and member of the state Covid task force, has pleaded with leading steel manufacturers operating in Karnataka to divert their manufacturing processes towards producing liquid oxygen. He says such a move on their part can be a life-saver for thousands of Covid patients statewide.
Contextualising his plea to the steel industry, Dr Rao notes that many oxygen manufacturers and suppliers have shut shop as there is no more oxygen left to make and supply. He adds that it is not possible to either expand the existing units or set up new oxygen manufacturing plants at such short notice.
The following is the text of Dr Rao’s Facebook post :
“Heartfelt plea to @JSW and @KalyaniSteels: Help us save precious lives across Karnataka. The state needs seamless oxygen more than stainless steel right now. Together, let’s fight Covid with nerves of steel.
“A humble plea to steel manufacturers, refineries, logistic companies and other producers
You make the products and provide services that build and run homes. Now help us rebuild the same homes by helping the medical fraternity save precious lives across Karnataka.
“All it takes is a large-heated gesture of tweaking your manufacturing processes to ensure enough liquid oxygen to rescue countless Covid patients gasping for breath at the door of death. We need as many oxygen concentrators as possible, as also transport tanks that can be airlifted to boost transport capacity from production sites to hospitals.
“Many hospitals across the state have a day of oxygen left, and the plight of other hospitals of the state is they have shut. To make matters worse, many oxygen manufacturers and suppliers have shut shop as there is no more oxygen left to make and supply. It is not possible to either expand the existing units or set up new oxygen manufacturing plants in such a short span.
“Together, let us save human lives and do our bit and fight the worst-ever pandemic in human history.”
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