Watch: Meghalaya sets up 3 oxygen generation plants

Meghalaya: Three civil hospitals in Tura, Nongpoh and Jowai in Meghalaya now have emergency oxygen supply to provide intensive care to critically ill COVID-19 patients. The plants utilise pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology to produce up to 800 litres of oxygen per minute.

A total of eight oxygen generation plants are being installed in the Northeast states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura with the help of the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The plants are capable of providing oxygen to approximately 1,300 beds.

Launching the plant in Tura today, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma stated, “I would like to thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the people of Japan and the Government of Japan for contributing to this crisis management and enabling the state of Meghalaya to fight COVID in a stronger way.”

On India’s relationship with Japan, the Chief Minister added, “The relationship between Japan and India has been growing from strength to strength. The Honourable Prime Ministers of both India and Japan have expressed their desire for the two nations to work together and many areas of collaboration are taking place today.”

Thanking the Government of Japan, the Chief Minister concluded, “In a crisis like this, the true nature of our relationship comes out. This help only confirms and strengthens the relationship of Japan and India”. 

Further, he highlighted that AL Hek, Minister of Health, inaugurated the Nongpoh Civil Hospital PSA Plant and MLA W Shylla at the Jowai MCH Hospital PSA Plant on the same day and same time i.e., 22nd June 2021, 10:00 am -11:00 am.

To support the Government of India’s ongoing COVID-19 response, the UNDP, along with the Government of Japan’s support, is strengthening the health and social protection systems, and most importantly, reviving livelihoods by targeting the most vulnerable population.

“As a good friend and partner of India, Japan is very happy to strengthen the capacity of health facilities in Meghalaya in partnership with UNDP. We hope that our contribution will help save more lives,” stated Satoshi Suzuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of India.

“UNDP stands committed to support the government of India with support from donors, development partners and UN sister agencies. I am happy that our several months of effort to procure, build the capacity of hospital staff and set the plants up and running has come to fruition. Together, we can better prepare for future crises,” stated Shoko Noda, UNDP Resident Representative in India.