Lucknow has been a witness to a large count of infected individuals and a worrying oxygen crisis, due to the unprecedented circumstances ushered by the pandemic. Alarmed by this, a number of welfare groups undertook initiatives to expand oxygen resources and Gurudwara Sadar is the latest in this list. On Friday, Gurdwara Sadar in Cantonment started a cost-free oxygen-holding centre for patients encountering breathing problems.

Doctor's prescription & Aadhar Card mandatory to seek admission

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As per the information given by authorities, the facility will only admit patients with SpO2 levels up to or more than 85 and who are unable to get an oxygen cylinder or bed at any hospital. All such patients from this category, who are in urgent need of supplemental oxygen will be taken into this centre. It is important to note that willing individuals will have to come with a doctor's prescription and Aadhar Card. Once their admissions are approved, they will be required to fill up a form.

With the help of collaborative efforts from city-based NGOs, Anant Sheel Welfare Foundation and Sashakt Welfare Society, the Gurudwara officials have been able to set up both oxygen concentrators and cylinders. Further, their efforts are supported by Sheena Sawhney, Caritas, Pratyek and Womenite. Narinder Kaur, president of Anant Sheel Welfare Foundation, said: "The NGO has provided 10 oxygen concentrators and cylinders for patients. The service will be available 24x7. The gurdwara will also make arrangements for conducting RT PCR tests which will be done every day."

Multiple efforts by Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee

In a bid to rescue the citizens from the dire effects of the pandemic, Gurudwara Sadar is working with the Lucknow Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee for a list of welfare schemes. Associating with NGOs, they are assuring free hearse services for the needy citizens. Further, gurudwaras across the city have been involved in multiple noble interventions, ranging from free provisioning of food to free medication.

- With inputs from IANS