New Delhi| Approval has been approved for the purchase of one and a half lakh oxycare systems at a cost of Rs 322.5 crores from the PM-Cares fund. It is a comprehensive system developed by DRDO to control the oxygen being given to patients based on the measurement of oxygen level. This system has been developed in two parts. Its basic version consists of a 10-liter oxygen cylinder, a pressure regulator-cum-flow controller, a humidifier, and a miniature for the nose. The flow of oxygen is controlled manually based on the readings of SPO2. Its intelligent part includes a system for the automatic control or adjustment of oxygen via a low-pressure regulator, an electronic control system, and an SPO2 probe, in addition to the original version.
In addition, non-rebreather masks (NRMs) are integrated with the OxyCare system to ensure more effective use of oxygen, resulting in 30–40 percent oxygen savings. DRDO has transferred this technology to several companies in India that will create OxyCare systems for use all over India.
The current medical protocol recommends oxygen therapy for all acute and very severe COVID-19 patients. Oxygen cylinders have proved to be extremely effective, given the current state of oxygen production, transportation and storage. Given a large number of individuals in need of oxygen therapy in the current state of the Kovid epidemic, it may not be practical to acquire only one type of system.
DRDO has suggested using portable cylinders with lighter materials as an alternative that can be easily used as an alternative to normal oxygen cylinders.
