Archive · 26 Jul 2026
CAG flags non-functional PM CARES oxygen plants in Bengal hospitals
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that many oxygen plants and ventilators provided to West Bengal hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic were not working or were not being used.
Out of 75 oxygen plants, only 32 were working.
Some ventilators were found in storage because they needed parts to work.
The CAG also noted that a lot of money meant for COVID response was not used.
The government said they were trying to fix the plants, but the CAG was not sure when they would be ready.
CAG found 43 out of 75 PSA oxygen plants in West Bengal were non-functional or uncommissioned as of December 2023.
Ventilators and oxygen concentrators were found idle or in storage at SSKM and Raiganj Medical Colleges.
Hospital authorities cited lack of consumables as the reason for ventilators not being operational.
Rs 659.28 crore (65%) of ECRP-II funds and Rs 462.05 crore of State COVID untied funds remained unspent as of March 2022.
The West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Ltd stated tenders were invited to make the remaining plants functional.
- Who
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Ltd, Hospital Authorities
- What
- Non-functional PM CARES oxygen plants and idle ventilators in West Bengal hospitals
- When
- As of December 2023 and March 2022
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To audit the utilization of COVID-related funds and infrastructure
Government's Response
CAG's Findings
Functionality of PSA Oxygen Plants
Government's Response
The West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Ltd stated that tenders had been invited to make the remaining plants functional.
CAG's Findings
The CAG reported that 43 out of 75 PSA oxygen plants were either uncommissioned or non-functional as of December 2023.
Utilization of Ventilators and Oxygen Concentrators
Government's Response
Hospital authorities cited lack of consumables as the reason for ventilators not being operational.
CAG's Findings
The CAG found ventilators and oxygen concentrators lying idle or in stock at hospitals, indicating poor utilization.
- Total PSA Oxygen Plants Supplied
- 75
- Functional PSA Oxygen Plants
- 32
- Non-functional/Uncommissioned PSA Oxygen Plants
- 43
- Ventilators Found Idle at SSKM Medical College
- 5
- Ventilators Found Idle at Raiganj Medical College
- 17
- Oxygen Concentrators Found Idle at Raiganj Medical College
- 5
- Unspent ECRP-II Funds as of March 2022
- Rs 659.28 crore (65%)
- Unutilised State COVID Untied Funds
- Rs 462.05 crore
