MHA orders free inter-state movement of Medical Oxygen, prohibits supply of Oxygen for industrial purposes [READ ORDER]

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday issued directions to ensure the uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen across the country in view of the COVID-19 situation. .The order was issued in exercise of the powers under Section 10(2)(1) of the Disaster Management Act. .The following are the directions for uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen which have to be complied with by all States and Union Territories. .No restrictions should be imposed on movement of medical oxygen between States. Transport authorities should allow free inter-state movement of oxygen carrying vehicles. Supply of oxygen for industrial purposes (except those exempted by the Government) is prohibited with effect from April 22, 2021 until further orders. Oxygen manufacturers and suppliers are permitted to supply oxygen to hospitals outside the State and UTs in which the manufacturer is located. There shall be free movement of Oxygen carrying vehicles into the cities without any restriction of timings while also enabling inter-city supply without restrictions.Vehicles carrying oxygen supplies passing through district or areas for making supplies specific to any particular district will not be attached by any authority..While medical oxygen is an essential public health commodity, the order reasoned that any impediment in the supplies of medical oxygen in the country may critically impact the management of patients suffering from COVID..States and UTs have to abide by this supply plan of medical oxygen. The District Magistrates, Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police would be personally liable for implementation of above directions, the order said. .Due to rapid rise in COVID-19 cases and with spike in COVID-cases, various States and UTs have imposed additional additional restrictions on certain activities and weekend lockdowns to break the chain of transmission. .This availability of adequate and uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen is an important pre-requisite for managing moderate and severe cases of COVID-19 and with increasing cases, the medical oxygen supply will need to keep pace with the requirements of States and UTs. .Earlier last week, Maharashtra government had decided to impose restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the State from April 14 to May 1 in view of the surge in COVID-19 cases..The very next day Delhi government imposed a weekend curfew in the national capital in view of surge in COVID-19 cases..[Read MHA Order]