Patients in home isolation can now apply online for oxygen

As Delhi is mired in the acute shortage of oxygen, the government has set up a portal on its official website to streamline the distribution of oxygen to COVID-19 patients in home isolation, non-COVID hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulances.

An official release said that those requiring oxygen for home isolation can apply with a valid photo id, Aadhar card details, COVID positive report, and other documents like CT scan report (if available) on the Delhi government website— delhi.gov.in.

“From 06 05 2021, all persons/individuals requiring oxygen for home isolation patients will apply on delhi.gov.in/ with a valid photo id, Aadhar card details, COVID positive report, and other documents (CT Scan report, etc. if available) indicating the actual need for oxygen,” it said. Moreover, the District Magistrates will identify dedicated dealers/depots to distribute such cylinders to the individuals who will not be redirected to refilling plants under any circumstances.

“The DMs shall ensure that an adequate number of office personnel are assigned to scrutinise all the incoming applications and issue the e-passes quickly as time is of the essence in such cases,” the order reads.

Also, based on the stock availability at the dealer, the DM will issue a pass containing the date, time, and address of the dealer/depot from where the oxygen cylinder can be issued/exchanged.

The government said that this portal will streamline the entire system of distribution of the lump-sum allocation under the supervision of District Magistrates and also to facilitate the public to access these cylinders with certainty.