KATHMANDU, May 10: As the country has started facing a severe shortage of medical oxygen, the government has formed a task force to look after a smooth supply of the life-saving gas.

According to officials, the government has formed a six-member panel headed by Prem Kumar Shrestha, joint-secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. A joint secretary each from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health and Population and a representative from each of Birendra Hospital, Nepal APF Hospital and Nepal Police Hospital are among other members.

Besides, the government has launched two hot line numbers 01-4271730 and 01-4286660 and a toll-free number 1140 targeting to provide access to the COVID-19 patients who require medical oxygen.

As per the government’s records, there are 6,288 oxygen cylinders across the country while the daily demand is now 1,411 liter of oxygen gas. The government is in the process of importing 20,000 refilling cylinders from China. 

 
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