COVID-19: IIT Delhi collaborates with Delhi Govt to set up oxygen plants

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has recommended ways to improve “oxygen infrastructure” and its supply chain management in Delhi and submitted its suggestion to the Delhi Government, a statement from IIT Delhi said.

The team consisting of experts from IIT Delhi, officials from Delhi’s information technology and health department, developed practical solutions to help elevate oxygen supply and strengthen the fight against COVID-19.

The team analysed the strategic issues plaguing the “oxygen infrastructure” in Delhi and prepared a blueprint for its improvement. It considered ways to improve the current IT portal and dashboard created for oxygen management by Delhi Government and also ways to “plan, augment and create medical oxygen storage, production and distribution in Delhi”, the statement said.

Oxygen crisis in Delhi

The sharp increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 in April and May led to an unprecedented shortage of medical oxygen in the Capital. At its peak, the oxygen crisis led to major city hospitals appealing for supply on social media, mainly Twitter. Dozens perished without oxygen as supplies ran out at some hospitals and many more died of COVID-19, completely untreated as hospital beds were in short supply too. Private hospitals in Delhi moved the High Court to procure oxygen.

“Our objective was to make sure that we provide specific and practically implementable solutions to the Delhi government. Our endeavour is to make sure that no lives are lost due to oxygen-related infrastructure issues in the state”, said Sanjay Dhir, professor, department of management studies, IIT Delhi.

“GNCTD is already preparing for the third wave of COVID-19 and the collaboration with IIT Delhi will further add value to the strategic planning process”, said Ankur Garg, commissioner (trade and taxation), GNCTD.

The joint team submitted its report to the Delhi High Court on May 28. The High Court on Saturday directed the Delhi Government to consider the proposal suggested by IIT Delhi.

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