Ilam Hospital self-reliant in oxygen production

By Kokila Dhakal,Ilam, June 10: People in Ilam often complain that nothing significant has been done in the district. However, there are examples that something has indeed been achieved, and one such example lies within Ilam itself. 

The notable progress made is the oxygen production centre currently operating in the district. 

The centre which is established next to Ilam hospital has been operating for the past three years and now produces 600-700 kilograms of oxygen daily. 

The oxygen produced here is sufficient for patients at Ilam Hospital and is even supplied to patients to other hospitals. 

The oxygen plan was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a shortage of oxygen for patients. The plant was set up with the support of the provincial and federal governments. 

According to Ilam Hospital’s bio-technician Khemraj Ghimire, the plant currently produces enough oxygen. 

Ghimire said that oxygen from the plant is directly connected to the hospital beds. Similarly, oxygen is provided free of charge in ambulances for patients admitted to the hospital or being referred elsewhere. 

Patients from other hospitals and those needing oxygen cylinders are also provided with filled cylinders from the plant. 

“For some patients with poor financial conditions, we provide oxygen free of cost,” said Ghimire, adding, “For patients outside the hospital, we provide cylinders at the rate of Rs. 700 per cylinder. It cost around Rs. 1,500 if bought from outside.”

He said that the current oxygen production is sufficient and if necessary, more could be produced. 

Tika Luintel, the emergency in-charge of the hospital, shared that after the oxygen plant was installed, the emergency unit has become much more manageable. 

“Most of the patients who come to the emergency ward need oxygen. Before the plant was installed in the district, we had a hard time, as we had to refill cylinders from outside districts. It was extremely difficult during the COVID-19 period,” said Luintel. 

“Now there is no case where a patients suffers due to lack of oxygen at Ilam Hospital.”

The hospital receives around 60-70 patients daily in the emergency unit, among which 8-10 patients require oxygen, according to hospital records.