The scenes of Indian hospitals putting out SOS messages for oxygen have already put Nepali officials on alert mode. As the country saw a surge in cases, authorities in Nepal have started assessing the situation in case they face a similar crisis like in India. 

According to a report in The Kathmandu Post, officials in Nepal have started contacting oxygen suppliers in the country, and are taking stock of the country’s capacity. Suppliers have reportedly said that presently there is no shortage. 

However, there warned if the situation deteriorates further and the scenario where hospitals start hoarding oxygen.

“It was the first time the government invited us for consultations since the pandemic began last year. The government was concerned about the availability of oxygen,” Narayan Timilisina, the general secretary of the oxygen suppliers association, was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post. 

Currently, hospitals in Kathmandu Valley require around 4500-5000 cylinders daily. So far, they have a capacity to supply up to 8000 cylinders daily.  However, the association recommended the government procure more cylinders in case if the situation explodes like neighboring India. 

“Fearing oxygen shortage, the hospitals have started placing higher demands than usual. That’s why, when we supply to one hospital, we struggle to meet the demand of another,” said Timilsina.