BS RAWAT
The Union Home Ministry has asked all states to ensure free inter-state movement of medical oxygen carrying vehicles without any restriction as it is an important prerequisite for managing moderate and severe Covid-19 cases.

In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has said that it has come to the notice that some states are trying to curb inter-state movement of oxygen supplies from manufacturing units situated in their respective areas.

Some states are also mandating manufacturers and suppliers located in the state to restrict their oxygen supplies to the hospitals of the state, he said.

Any shortfalls should be immediately brought to the notice of the central control room set up in the health ministry, the letter reads.

Mr Bhalla also sought a report on the action taken.

Mr Bhalla referred to the Unlock-4 guidelines where it was clearly mentioned that the lockdown is limited to the Covid containment zones and all activities are permitted outside the containment zone except few prohibited activities.

Stating that medical oxygen was an essential public health commodity, more so in times of Covid-19, the home secretary asked the states/UTs to instruct transport authorities to allow free inter-state movement of oxygen carrying vehicles; not force manufacturing units to limit oxygen supplies to hospitals within the state; and allow free movement of oxygen carrying vehicles into the cities without any restriction on timings.