Hubballi, 24 Apr (UNI) Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Coal, Mr Prahlad Joshi welcomed the decision taken today by a High level committee meeting held in New Delhi presided over by the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi to suspend the Customs duties and health Cess on the import of oxygen supply related Equipments and materials, in order to increase the production of Medical oxygen in the country.
In a Statement issued to the Press here this evening, Mr Joshi described the decision as a courageous step taken by the center which would boost the supply of oxygen shows that the Center is not only pro poor but also proves its determination to face the situation and Thanked Prime Minister Modi for the action.
He said there has been a four fold increase in the demand for oxygen supply in the country between February and April this year. Currently, the country needs 4,739 Metric Tonnes of oxygen daily.
The Center has already taken action to start 162 Pressure Swing oxygen units to increase the supply of oxygen to Hospitals in the country including the demand for about 3200 oxygen cylinders in Bengaluru city, he added.
