Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
An oxygen plant has been set up in Ishwardi Health Complex to ensure continuous supply of oxygen for expansion of health facilities. This PSA oxygen plant has been set up by the United Nations Organisation for Project Services (UNOPS) with financial assistance from the Global Fund under the National Malaria Eradication and Aedes-Borne Disease Control Programme. The equipment and accessories for the construction of the plant infrastructure were handed over on December 23. A total of 29 oxygen plants have been set up in the country including medical colleges under this program. However, even if this plant is installed only in Ishwardi in Pabna district, the produced oxygen can be supplied to other places through cylinders.
Meanwhile, the special assistant professor of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Md Saidur Rahman visited Ishwardi Health Complex on Wednesday (December 25) and assured to upgrade the hospital to 100 beds, the health official said.
Upazila Health Officer Dr Ali Ehsan said that natural air contains 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and 1% other elements. Air is collected from nature through pressure and nitrogen is adsorbed with zeolite chemicals and stored in the booster tank.
Oxygen is at 4-5 times pressure than air. More than 150 times the pressure will set in the booster. It can contain a lot of oxygen in a very small space. In this way, 945 liters of oxygen can be collected per minute from this plant.
This oxygen can be used in two ways. One is to refill large cylinders. Another pipe line can be supplied directly to the central oxygen line in the ward. He also said that even after the inauguration, it has not been fully implemented yet. Diesel generators are kept for emergency operation. But the cost of diesel is very high, it takes 25-30 liters of diesel per hour. In this situation, the cost of oxygen production will be much higher. For that we need electricity connection.
A letter has been sent to Nesco for electricity connection. Nesco will plan and estimate to install electricity substation here. Only then we can fully operate this plant.
Dr. Ali Ehsan said that the oxygen produced in large quantities can be supplied to other hospitals through cylinders to meet the needs of this hospital. However, no instructions have come in this regard yet.
In the context of upgrading the hospital to 100 beds of the special assistant of the ministry, he said, considering the population and importance, the proposal of upgrading it to 100 beds had already been sent to the ministry. Upward expansion for promotion will cost less. However, other resources including manpower increase will be required. When these matters were presented to Hon’ble Special Assistant Sir, he assured of promotion.