New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the augmentation and availability of oxygen across the country.

With many places complaining of oxygen shortage in hospitals during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave in April-May, the Union government has been taking measures in coordination with states to boost its production and supply.

PM Modi instructed officials to have a force of health workers trained on operation and maintenance of oxygen plants. Also, directed for deployment of advanced technology to track functioning of oxygen plants.

"Ensure adequate training of hospital staff on operation and maintenance of oxygen plants. Advanced technology like IoT to track performance and functioning of oxygen plants to be deployed," said PM Modi.

Over 1500 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen plants are coming up across the nation. PSA Oxygen plants contributed by PM CARES would support more than 4 lakh oxygenated beds. Ensure that the plants are made functional at the earliest, according to news agency ANI.

PM instructed the officials to ensure that these plants are made functional at the earliest and to work closely with the state governments for the same. Officers apprised the PM that they are in regular touch with officers from state governments regarding fast-tracking the oxygen plants.

PM Modi has been holding a number of meetings in this regard amid apprehensions of a third wave of the pandemic.

Principal Secretary to PM, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary Health, Secretary MoHUA and other important officials were present in the meeting.

(With PTI Inputs)