DRRM
June 26, 2021, Kathmandu
During the devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Business Initiative (NBI) mobilized Nepal's private sector to address the critical oxygen shortage threatening hospitals nationwide. Through coordinated fundraising and partnerships, NBI facilitated the procurement and handover of four high-capacity oxygen plants, valued at approximately NPR 1.28 crore per piece, to hospitals across the country.
About the Crisis Response
The Crisis
By mid-2021, Nepal's healthcare system was overwhelmed. The second wave of COVID-19 had created an acute shortage of medical oxygen and intensive care capacity. Patients were dying unnecessarily due to lack of oxygen supply. In response, NBI leveraged its network of private sector members to secure a life-saving intervention.
NBI's Intervention
NBI coordinated the import of six Atasam brand GZ81.10-INSPITAL model oxygen plants from Turkey — the first of their kind to be brought to Nepal through private sector initiative. Each plant has the capacity to:
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Produce 36 cubic meters of oxygen per hour
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Serve 200-bed hospitals
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Deliver oxygen directly to ICU beds through in-hospital installation
NBI's Role
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Mobilized CSR funds from its member organizations
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Facilitated procurement from international suppliers
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Coordinated logistics for import and delivery
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Managed partnerships between private sector, municipalities, and healthcare institutions
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Ensured technical support through on-site training and maintenance capacity
"In this unimaginable crisis facing the nation, NBI urges private sector institutions and industries to consolidate their corporate social responsibility efforts in an effective and coordinated manner. NBI remains committed to providing the necessary collaboration and coordination."
Glimpses
