Lack of training, high running costs render crores-worth infrastructure unusable
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, May 26: A large portion of the healthcare infrastructure built during the Covid-19 crisis in East Singhbhum is now gathering dust. Crores were spent on installing six PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) oxygen plants across various hospitals in 2021, but most of these are now lying defunct due to technical neglect, high operational costs and lack of trained personnel.
Installed at Sadar Hospital (Parsudih), MGM Medical College, Mercy Hospital, Ghatsila Sub-Divisional Hospital and Chakulia CHC, these oxygen plants were meant to supply life-saving oxygen directly to patients via pipelines. However, during a recent Dainik Jagran inspection, it was found that barring Sadar Hospital, the rest are either completely shut or rarely used.
The PSA plant at Chakulia CHC has never been operational since its installation. “There’s no trained technician to run it,” confirmed Dr. Ranjit Murmu, Medical Officer in Charge. MGM’s plant, too, never functioned beyond its inauguration. Authorities cited low patient load post-Covid and unaffordable operational expenses—Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh electricity bills during mock drills—as key reasons for the shutdown.
In Ghatsila, mock drills continue to be carried out only for formality, while the actual plant remains mostly idle. “The generator alone consumes 10-12 litres of diesel per hour,” said a staff member, underlining the financial impracticality.
In contrast, Sadar Hospital operates both its PSA plants effectively, with trained staff supplying oxygen hospital-wide. Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Pal stated that efforts are underway to revive the unused plants in Chakulia and Ghatsila.
With Covid cases on the rise again nationally, health experts warn of dire consequences if these systems are not reactivated promptly. At present, patients in need of oxygen are routinely referred to Jamshedpur, highlighting a critical healthcare gap in the district.
