PM Modi chairs high-level meet amidst the oxygen crisis; focus on boosting supply
The decision comes after the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review steps taken to boost oxygen availability in the country.
FollowPrime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting today amid the shortage of oxygen supply in several hospitals across the country. States like Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have raised several SOS alarms, while many other hospitals are moving the Delhi HC and the Supreme Court as well.
The decision comes after Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review steps taken to boost oxygen availability in the country. The PM emphasized that there was an immediate need to augment the supply of medical grade oxygen as well as equipment required for patient care both at home and in hospitals.
PM stressed that all ministries and departments need to work in synergy to increase availability of oxygen and medical supplies.
PM was briefed that basic customs duty was exempted on Remdesivir and its API recently. It was suggested that import of equipment related to providing oxygen to patients needs to be expedited.
It was decided to grant full exemption from Basic Customs Duty and health cess on import of items related to oxygen and oxygen related equipment for 3 months with immediate effect.
PM directed the Revenue Dept to ensure seamless and quick custom clearance of such equipment. It was also decided that Basic Customs Duty on import of Covid vaccines be also exempted with immediate effect for 3 months.
