At a time when India is struggling to cope with a severe second wave of COVID-19, a non-profit body of the Jain community has launched the Oxygen on Wheels to give the much-needed life-saving gas to the ailing in Kolkata. The oxygen-on-wheels is a modified 32-seater bus equipped with four oxygen concentration machines capable of ensuring a flow of five litres per minute.

Working closely with the West Bengal Department of Health and Family welfare, the NGO JITO (Jain International Trade Organisation) has introduced the first bus ferrying the life-saving gas.

The bus is also fitted with fans, mobile charging points and redesigned seats to make patients comfortable and reduce their suffering.

At any given time up to four patients can be serviced within the bus which will be stationed at government hospitals for the ailing ones waiting to be admitted and in need of oxygen.

A hospital health technician will be provided for giving oxygen support and the entire process for admission of patients is at the sole discretion of the management of the government hospital.

The hospital will also be supplying the electrical power required to operate the oxygen concentrators in the vehicle, which will move from one location to another and be stationed at any of the state hospitals on the direction of the health department.  

“We believe this is the time for the entire community to come together as one and support the activities of the Government in any way possible,” said Rajesh Bhutoria, Chairman, JITO Kolkata Chapter.

Organisation secretary Bhaven Kamdar said  when they approached West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with the proposal, she gave it a quick go-ahead and indstructed the health department to  extend all support.

The cost of equipping a single bus with complete infrastructure is around Rs 300,000.

JITO will launch 2-3 more such oxygen-on-wheels buses to support the state healthcare system and bring relief to patients.

Plans are also being discussed to increase the number of oxygen concentrators in each bus from four to six, depending on how the pilot project is received.

(SAM)