Three oxygen generation plants inaugurated in Meghalaya

SHILLONG:

Meghalaya government, on Tuesday, with the help of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese government, set up three oxygen generation plants at Tura, Nongpoh and Jowai civil hospitals. 

The plants which can generate up to 800 litres of oxygen per minute, utilising Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology, are meant to help the state during an emergency oxygen supply and provide intensive care treatment to critically ill COVID-19 patients.  

During the launch of the oxygen plant in Tura, chief minister Conrad Sangma thanked the UNDP, the people of Japan and their government, for contributing to the management during the crisis.

Meghalaya Health Minister A. L. Hek inaugurated the PSA oxygen generation plant at Nongpoh, while Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla inaugurated the other plant in Jowai.

Speaking about the Indo-Japan relationship, the chief minister said that the relationship between the two countries has grown from strength to strength. 

"The prime ministers of India and Japan have expressed their desires to work together and many areas of collaboration are taking place today," he said.

"In a crisis like this, the true nature of our relationship comes out. The help only confirms and strengthens the relationship between Japan and India," he added.

To support the Union government in response to the ongoing COVID-19, the UNDP together with the Japanese government is strengthening the health and social protection systems, most importantly reviving the livelihoods, targeting the most vulnerable population.

Ambassador of Japan to India Satoshi Suzuki, who addressed India as a good friend and a partner, said that Japan is happy to strengthen the capacity of health facilities in Meghalaya in partnership with UNDP and hope that the contribution will help save more lives.

 

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative in India Shoko Noda UNDP stands committed to help the government with support from donors, development partners and UN sister agencies. 

A total of eight oxygen generation plants have been installed in the Northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura with the help of the Government of Japan and UNDP. 

These plants are said to serve a capacity of 1,300 hospital beds, approximately.

(Edited by Marvin Kharsohnoh)

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