Oxygen plant remains defunct at District Hospital Shopian, patients depend on cylinders

Shopian, Aug 29: Patients requiring continuous oxygen support at District Hospital Shopian are facing inconvenience as the hospital’s central oxygen generation and pipeline system has remained non-functional for more than two months, leaving the health facility dependent on individual oxygen cylinders.
The prolonged disruption has become a matter of concern for patients and their attendants, particularly those suffering from serious respiratory ailments and elderly patients who require uninterrupted oxygen support. Attendants said the dependence on cylinders has added to the logistical burden on both patients and hospital staff and could pose difficulties in situations where several patients need oxygen simultaneously.
In the absence of the central oxygen supply system, oxygen cylinders are reportedly being shifted between different wards to meet the requirements of patients. Attendants said that while cylinders are being arranged, the system is less convenient than a functional central pipeline, especially during emergencies and periods of increased patient load.
The issue has caused particular concern among families of patients suffering from chronic respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), for whom any interruption in oxygen support can become critical.
Hospital staff and attendants have also expressed concern over the repeated transportation and replacement of oxygen cylinders in various wards. They said the arrangement requires constant monitoring and movement of cylinders and may become challenging during busy periods when multiple patients simultaneously require oxygen.
The situation has also raised concerns about the hospital’s preparedness to deal with emergencies involving several patients who may need continuous or high-flow oxygen support, particularly during critical cases and sudden increases in patient admissions.
They have sought attention of higher ups in this regard so that needy patients don’t suffer anymore.
An official of the health department said that they have taken the issue with the concerned Mechanical and Hospitality Division for restoration of the oxygen generation plant. He said repair and restoration work was in progress and the facility was expected to become functional within the next 10-15 days. (KNO)