In a major boost to the National Capital of Delhi’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has installed two oxygen plants in the capital with each of them generating around 1,000 litres of the life-saving gas per minute.

The oxygen plants have been installed at AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, reports India Today.

The life-saving oxygen gas has been the most sought-after commodity in Delhi, with rising Covid-19 cases in the city. In the view of the deteriorating situation, the Delhi government has also requested the Centre to deploy the Indian Army to handle the crisis.

The Armed Forces, however, has already started assisting the capital by setting up dedicated hospitals in the city.

Notably, the oxygen plants work on the technology that is based on the on-board oxygen generation for light combat Tejas aircraft developed by DRDO. The system can cater to 190 patients at a flow rate of 5 litre per minute (LPM) and charge 195 cylinders per day.

The technology, which has been developed by DRDO's Defence Electromedical and Bio-Engineering Laboratory (DEBEL), breaks down molecular components of the atmospheric air to provide continuous oxygen to the pilot within the aircraft for long duration and in high altitude flights.

Once set up, the technology would help in a continuous supply of oxygen to critical Covid patients, refilling of oxygen cylinders, and eradicating logistical problems related to cylinder transportation from one point to another, thereby reducing the increasing burden on the demand for oxygen in Covid hospitals.

DRDO has been at the forefront of the nation’s fight against Covid-19. On 28 April, it had announced the setting up of 500 medical oxygen generation plants in the country within three months using the PM CARES fund.

DRDO has also set up make-shift Covid hospital at multiple locations including Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.