Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar informed the Legislative Council that the state government plans to hand over 295 major Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants to private agencies under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. These PSA units were set up across Maharashtra during the Covid-19 pandemic to address the severe shortage of medical oxygen, but many have since become non-functional due to inadequate maintenance.
In response to concerns raised by senior member Eknath Khadse through a calling attention notice, Abitkar said the government has decided on a revised strategy to ensure consistent operation of these crucial facilities. He added that maintenance of 170 other PSA plants will be funded through the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) under the district annual plan.
Abitkar assured the House that the government will retain the authority to immediately take control of all PSA plants during emergencies, and necessary regulations are currently being drafted to formalise this safeguard.
Providing the latest status, the minister said 317 PSA plants are functional, 162 are non-operational, and 21 are under installation. Similarly, 336 Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) plants are operational, 32 have stopped functioning, and 26 are being installed. As per central government guidelines, mock drills are conducted every three months to assess readiness and ensure that all oxygen infrastructure remains in working condition.
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