Modi assesses the status of oxygen supplementation and availability across the country.

The government said on Friday that more than 1,500 PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) oxygen facilities are being built around the country as Prime Minister Narendra Modi evaluated the progress of augmentation and availability of the life-saving gas.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi directed officials to ensure that these plants are operational as soon as possible and to collaborate closely with state governments in this regard.

These upcoming oxygen plants will be built with contributions from the PM CARES fund, as well as from various ministries and PSUs, according to the statement.

PSA oxygen plants funded by the PM CARES fund are being built in all states and districts across the country, and Modi has been told that once operational, they will support more than 4 lakh oxygenated beds, according to the PMO.

Officials also informed the prime minister that they are in regular contact with officers from state governments in order to expedite the construction of the oxygen plants, according to the report.

With many areas reporting a lack of oxygen in hospitals during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave in April-May, the Union government has been working with states to increase production and supply of the life-saving gas.

Amid fears of a third wave of the pandemic, Modi has convened a series of meetings in this regard.