Centre urges Karnataka, 6 other states to ensure adequate Oxygen availability in healthcare facilities

Agencies

September 13, 2020

New Delhi, Sept 13: The Union Health Ministry on Sunday advised Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to ensure adequate Oxygen availability in all healthcare facilities and unrestricted intra as well as inter-state movement of oxygen in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Union Health Ministry held a virtual meeting where Union Health Secretary, Secretary DPIIT and Secretary Pharmaceuticals participated. State Health Secretaries and Industries Secretaries of these seven states also participated in the meeting.

The States were specifically advised to ensure facility wise/hospital wise oxygen inventory management and advance planning for timely replenishment so that there are no stockout and to ensure that no restriction is imposed on the movement of Medical Oxygen between States and UTs.

They were requested to ensure Provision of "Green Corridor" for Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) Tankers within the cities.

"Hospitals and institutions have long term tender/ contract agreement for supply of Oxygen with oxygen manufacturers, which need to be honoured. Hence, States must not impose restrictions on free movement of Oxygen," the statement read.

These seven states were told to improve power supply infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted supply to Oxygen Manufacturing Units and to ensure proper disinfection of Oxygen cylinders as per protocols while sending cylinders to fillers of Oxygen.

"Effective coordination with steel plants for Oxygen procurement since steel plants provide approx. 550 MT per day oxygen in addition to oxygen manufacturers who provide 6400 MT per day should be maintained," it stated.

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NRI from Udupi wins Rs 50 crore in Abu Dhabi’s big ticket draw

News Network

February 4,2026

An Indian resident who won the Dh20 million (approximately Rs 50 crore) jackpot in Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket draw has told of his joy at sharing his life-changing fortune with a friend.

Shanthanu Shettigar, a shop manager in Muscat, regularly buys tickets for the monthly grand prize draw with one of his closest friends – and the pair won on February 3.

Mr Shettigar, 33, who is from Udyavar in Udupi district of the southern state of Karnataka and has lived in the Omani capital for eight years, said he was left speechless after learning of his success.

“When I first moved to Muscat, many of my colleagues were purchasing Big Ticket, which encouraged me to give it a try,” he said.

“I started buying tickets on my own, and later began sharing tickets with a close friend. The ticket that brought me this win was one we purchased together.”

“Like most people, I receive a lot of spam calls, and I was fully absorbed in my work as well. I knew the live draw was taking place tonight, but I never imagined my name would be announced,” he said.

“When I realised it was real and that I had won, I was honestly speechless. It still hasn’t fully sunk in, but I’m extremely happy.”

Mr Shettigar is not sure how he will spend his share of the money, but encouraged others to take part.

“This win was completely unexpected, so I want to take some time to think things through before deciding what to do next,” he said.

“I would definitely encourage others to participate with Big Ticket, whether with family or friends – you never know when your moment might come.”

The Big Ticket was established in 1992 with an initial first prize of Dh1 million. It is one of the most popular monthly raffles in the UAE.

It has transformed the lives of many people across the Emirates and beyond.

Entry to the Big Ticket Millionaire is Dh500. Tickets can be bought online or at counters at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.

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