Industrial oxygen used in Chittagong is being supplied to hospitals as medical oxygen

In Chittagong, concerns have been raised over allegations that industrial oxygen used in factories is being supplied to hospitals as medical oxygen. The issue has come under renewed discussion after a recent raid at an establishment in the city's Akbar Shah area found evidence of such irregularities. Experts say that industrial oxygen can pose a serious health risk to patients.

On May 18, the National Consumer Rights Protection Department and the Drug Administration conducted a raid at an oxygen supplier establishment in the city's Akbar Shah area. Authorities confirmed that the oxygen in the cylinders stored there was suitable for use in industrial factories. It is alleged that this oxygen was being collected at a low price, repainted and supplied to various hospitals as medical oxygen.

The raid did not even find a valid certificate for supplying medical oxygen from the establishment. The establishment has been fined one lakh taka in this incident.

The authorities believe that it is not just one establishment - similar oxygen may be sold in some other shops around the hospital area. The relevant agencies have said that they will intensify monitoring on the issue.

According to experts, although the main ingredients of medical oxygen and industrial oxygen are the same, there are big differences in purity and usage. The purity of oxygen used in medicine is usually more than 99 percent and it is prepared by maintaining international standards.

On the other hand, oxygen used in industries may contain various harmful elements including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide. These oxygens are usually used for welding, metal cutting and industrial production.

According to doctors, there is currently an outbreak of various respiratory diseases in the country. In such a situation, low-quality or impure oxygen can become dangerous for patients. It can cause infections, lung complications, breathing problems and even serious health risks in the long term.

The Drug Administration said that currently a few specific institutions in Chittagong are supplying medical oxygen with approval. However, an investigation is also underway into the activities of institutions that are not approved.

Public health experts say that any kind of irregularities cannot be accepted in a matter that is directly related to the life of the patient. They called for ensuring strict supervision at the hospital and market levels as well as taking swift action to stop illegal supply.