Health & Food
Government plans integrated medical oxygen networks in 20 districts
The government plans integrated medical oxygen networks in at least 20 districts during the current financial year, State Minister MA Muhit says. A committee is working on the project proposal. The initiative aims to connect equipment, supply and maintenance, rather than simply add more cylinders.
Bangladesh plans to build integrated medical oxygen networks in at least 20 districts during the current financial year, State Minister for Health MA Muhit said on 4 October.
Speaking at the closing session of the Bangladesh Oxygen Summit at Independent University, Bangladesh, he said a high-level ministry committee had been formed and work on a development project proposal was under way.
The minister described gaps in the existing system, including equipment that had remained unused and a lack of coordination. The proposed approach seeks to bring the different elements of oxygen provision into a functioning network.
He also called for a national oxygen roadmap covering 2026–30 and highlighted the importance of assessing access. The summit was organised by the university’s Centre for Health, Implementation and Policy Sciences and the Bangladesh Oxygen Network.
The announcement is a commitment to prepare and implement a programme, not confirmation that 20 district networks are already operating. Procurement, installation, maintenance and reliable delivery will determine whether the proposed capacity becomes usable care.
The pandemic’s experience was cited as a reason to treat medical oxygen as a lasting part of health security, rather than an emergency purchase made only during a crisis.
