Health ministry seeks add’l fuel reserve

FE REPORT
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the Ministry of Health has requested the relevant ministry to maintain an additional diesel reserve to ensure uninterrupted critical medical services.
"The matter has already been discussed in the meetings, chaired by the prime minister. Arrangements will be made to maintain that reserve," he told the media after a programme in the capital on Saturday.
He said the ongoing global war has shaken the world, as fuel remains central to all major systems. Shortage of fuel could therefore create significant disruptions.
The health minister noted that hospitals require uninterrupted electricity in critical areas like intensive care units (ICUs), coronary care units (CCUs), neonatal care wards, labour rooms, etc.
"To address this, the Ministry of Health has requested additional diesel reserves. If the fuel crisis worsens, diesel reserves would be further increased to keep generators ready."

He said the authorities concerned are also setting up emergency dual power lines, so that if one fails, the other can supply electricity to critical units.
At the same time, the ministry is also emphasising efficient electricity use across all the hospitals under its jurisdiction to minimise potential shortages.
The health minister mentioned that currently there is sufficient stock of helium gas. But increased load-shedding could affect gas density, which in turn might disrupt MRI machines and the supply of gas used in treating infants with respiratory conditions.
He said traders have assured the government of providing adequate medical supplies gas for the next several months.
"Arrangements are also in place to import additional supplies through proper channels," he added.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com