Panel finds excess oxygen use in Covid treatment

The health ministry in Karnataka says more oxygen than required is used in the treatment of Covid patients resulting in wastage of the precious resource needed in the fight to end the pandemic.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Karnataka government on Friday issued guidelines for the usage of oxygen after an expert committee ruled that there was excessive use of oxygen as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.

In a letter, Jawaid Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, said there is an "unprecedented surge in the demand of oxygen" to treat COVID-19 patients.

The clinical expert committee has conducted an analysis of the usage of oxygen, according to the letter, which reveals that there is a non-judicious and excessive use of oxygen therapy without proper monitoring.

"Excessive usage, besides having deleterious health effects, is resulting in the wastage of a precious resource leading to a shortage of the commodity and waste of money," the letter added.

ANI Report