Nepal

Bajura Hospital builds oxygen plant ending reliance on import

By Prakash Singh

Oxygen plant built in the premise of the District Hospital, Bajura. Photo; Prakash Singh/ THT

BAJURA, JANUARY 20

The District Hospital in Bajura has installed an oxygen plant in its premises, reducing the hospital's reliance on external sites for oxygen supplies amid the sharp spike in Covid-19 cases in the country.

The oxygen plant, the installation of which was meant to be completed by June, was delayed due to weather(monsoon)-related challenges in shipping equipment for the same, said Dr Prakash Raj Jaisi, Chief of District Hospital.

According to Dr Jaisi, the oxygen plant is currently up and running.

The hospital had to import oxygen from Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj, among other places, before the plant was built. As per the district hospital, the plant will hopefully facilitate supply of oxygen as and when needed in light of the recent increase in Covid cases.

A total of Rs 15.5 million was allocated for the plant's construction, with the Sudurpaschim province government contributing Rs 8 million and the federal government providing Rs 7.5 million.

According to Chudamani Panta, the hospital's Covid Focal Person, the plant is expected to provide respite to all patients, especially those undergoing treatment for Covid-19.

Nripa Raj Giri, the hospital's information officer further elaborated that the plant is directly connected through pipes to 20 beds in the hospital, including those in the ICU, emergency, and emergency maternity units.