India Launches National Guidelines and Training Programme for Medical Oxygen Use

The workshop also served as the launchpad for the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, aimed at creating a cadre of expert trainers in the field of oxygen supply, use, and emergency preparedness.

In a major step toward fortifying the country's healthcare infrastructure, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today unveiled the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management during a high-level workshop held at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The workshop also served as the launchpad for the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, aimed at creating a cadre of expert trainers in the field of oxygen supply, use, and emergency preparedness.

A Strategic Move to Strengthen Oxygen Infrastructure

The release of the guidelines and the training initiative marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to ensure a resilient and responsive healthcare system, especially in light of the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The comprehensive guidelines provide a detailed roadmap for the procurement, storage, distribution, and clinical administration of medical oxygen across all levels of healthcare facilities, ranging from primary health centers to tertiary care hospitals.

The document covers a wide spectrum of topics, including types of oxygen delivery systems, oxygen demand forecasting, infrastructure requirements, safety protocols, quality assurance, and measures to prevent wastage. These standard operating procedures are designed to create uniformity across the nation, enhance patient safety, and ensure that medical oxygen systems remain robust even during times of crisis.

Key Voices from the Launch Event

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, addressed the gathering and underscored the importance of sustained maintenance and efficient utilization of medical oxygen infrastructure. “Our experience during the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that a well-prepared healthcare system is crucial to saving lives. These guidelines and training initiatives will enable us to respond swiftly and effectively to any future surges in oxygen demand,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of coordination between state and central agencies and encouraged healthcare administrators to integrate these guidelines into daily operations to enhance emergency preparedness.

Prof. M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, emphasized the institution’s pivotal role in driving the National Capacity Building Programme. “AIIMS is proud to lead this transformative initiative. Through structured training and capacity building, we aim to equip healthcare personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to manage oxygen resources judiciously,” he said.

He added that the programme would be instrumental in ensuring that even remote healthcare facilities have trained personnel to handle oxygen systems efficiently, thereby improving outcomes and reducing preventable deaths.

National Capacity Building Programme: A Scalable Model

The National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management is a collaborative effort between the Ministry’s Disaster Management Cell and AIIMS Delhi. The programme aims to train 200 master trainers drawn from various states and healthcare institutions. These master trainers will then cascade the training to hospital administrators, biomedical engineers, nursing staff, and medical officers across the country.

The focus areas of the training include:

• Safe storage and handling of oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen

• Usage of oxygen concentrators and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants

• Oxygen therapy protocols and patient monitoring

• Identifying and minimizing oxygen wastage

• Troubleshooting supply disruptions

• Emergency preparedness and surge planning

The training curriculum has been designed with inputs from experts in critical care, disaster response, hospital administration, and engineering to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

Toward a Resilient Future

This dual launch of guidelines and training reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system in a holistic and sustainable way. By standardizing practices and empowering healthcare professionals, the initiative promises to significantly improve the quality and reliability of oxygen delivery systems nationwide.

The workshop was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, AIIMS faculty, representatives from state health departments, biomedical engineers, and public health experts from across India. Their active participation and shared experiences are expected to further enrich the implementation of these guidelines at the grassroots level.

As the world continues to grapple with health emergencies and respiratory diseases, India’s proactive stance on oxygen management sets an example of preparedness and resilience in public health infrastructure.