AIIMS Bhubaneswar Hosts First National Capacity-Building Programme on Medical Oxygen Management

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Hosts First National Capacity-Building Programme on Medical Oxygen Management

AIIMS Bhubaneswar has taken a pioneering step in healthcare by hosting the first National Capacity Building Programme on Medical Oxygen Management – Training of Trainers (ToT). Organized by the Department of Hospital Administration in collaboration with the Disaster Management Cell, MoHFW, and AIIMS New Delhi, the one-day event marked a significant move toward standardizing oxygen management across India.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, in the presence of dignitaries including Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida, Dr. P R Mohapatra, Dr. Satyajeet Misra, Lt. Col Abhijit Sarkar, Dr. Nirupam Madan, Dr. Vijaydeep Siddharth, and Dr. Jawahar S.K. Pillai.

Additional Secretary, MoHFW, V. Hekali Zhimomi addressed the gathering virtually, highlighting the importance of strengthening oxygen preparedness nationwide. Shri Bharat Bhushan Dahiya, Technical Expert, MoHFW, also participated.

Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Biswas emphasized the need for oxygen stewardship, manifold services, and rational use of medical gases in healthcare facilities. Sessions covered medical gas system planning, regulatory frameworks, and ecosystem development, along with hands-on skill training in adult, pediatric, and neonatal oxygen management.

A key highlight was the introduction of a stewardship model promoting local professional-led oxygen management, regular audits, and crisis response strategies. The training brought together 74 participants from Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and representatives from AIIMS institutes across the country, making it a landmark step toward building resilient healthcare infrastructure for future emergencies.