Background:
Recent disruption of medical oxygen during second wave of COVID-19 has caused nationwide panic. This study attempts to objectively analyze the medical oxygen supply chain in India along the principles of value stream mapping (VSM), identify bottlenecks and recommend systemic improvements.
Methodology:
Process mapping of the medical oxygen supply chain in India was done. Different licenses & approvals, their conditions, compliances, renewals among others were factored-in. All relevant circulars (Government Notices), official orders, amendments and gazette notifications pertaining to medical oxygen from April 2020-April 2021 were studied and corroborated with information from Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) official website.
Findings:
Steps of medical oxygen supply chain right from oxygen manufacture to filling, storage and transport up to the end users; have regulatory bottlenecks. Consequently flow of materials is sluggish and very poor information flow has aggravated the inherent inefficiencies of the system. Government of India has been loosening regulatory norms at every stage to alleviate the crisis.
Conclusion:
Regulatory bottlenecks have indirectly fueled the informal sector over the years, which is not under Government’s control with difficulty in controlling black-marketing and hoarding. Technology enabled, data-driven regulatory processes with minimum discretionary human interface can make the system more resilient.