AM/NS India sends second consignment of oxygen cylinders to Odisha

Bhubaneswar: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) today delivered the second tranche of a consignment of 5020 medical grade oxygen cylinders and 2000 units of flowmeters to Odisha, part of a continuing contribution by the steel manufacturer to bring relief to victims of Covid-19 across India.

The second tranche of 5020 cylinders reached Bhubaneswar last night and will be distributed by Odisha state officials to medical centres across the state shortly.

The handing over ceremony took place at the office of the MD, Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited and witnessed by N. B. Jawale, MD, IPICOL, and a host of senior government officials.

AM/NS India, one of India’s leading integrated flat carbon steel manufacturers, has tapped into its unparalleled global production and sales network to source the relief equipment and, with support from UN agencies, organised their swift delivery by combined sea and air passage.

AM/NS India has extended their support for Covid-19 to seven states across India including Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh.

The Covid – 19 relief for states includes building in 72 hours a 250-bed COVID hospital in Gujarat, now being expanded to 1000 beds, near the company’s main manufacturing site at Hazira; and the daily supply of 250 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen to said states.

Since April, more than 9,200 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen has been supplied, which is the equivalent of treating nearly 9,20,000 patient days.

In addition, seven nitrogen-carrying trucks have been converted to load oxygen to increase the supply of oxygen to areas with shortages.

Lakshmi Mahapatra, Head of Corporate Affairs (Odisha Operations) at AM/NS India, today handed over the second tranche of the consignment to the Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited

Speaking on the occasion, N B Jawale, Managing Director, Ipicol said, AM/NS India has been at the forefront of helping the government.

“Timely interference of AMNS in oxygen cylinder supply has helped state govt a lot to fight against Covid19 pandemic.  The company has worked swiftly to organize and deliver the second tranche of these critical medical supplies to the Odisha government. The Government of Odisha also remains resolute in its efforts to safeguard not just the people of Odisha but also across the country, having supplied oxygen to several other states,” he added.

Suresha G, Executive Director (Odisha Operations) at AM/NS India, who was present at the ceremony said, “Today, the country is amidst one of the biggest public health crises and our focus throughout this pandemic has been the health of our people, our communities and India at large. We recognise that we have a responsibility to support state governments as they battle through this health crisis. We are confident that through these collaborative efforts, which bring together citizens, communities, governments, and industry, we will overcome this crisis, together.”

T S Shanbhogue, Executive Director-Strategic Projects at AM/NS India, who was present at the ceremony said, “AM/NS India recognises the need to mobilise resources and aid the government’s efforts in the fight against the pandemic. We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of Odisha to provide the medical support. We are proud to further our contribution in our relentless efforts to support the communities around us.”