Amid continuous surge in Covid cases and crisis for medical oxygen, a critical component in the treatment of Covid-affected patients, students of Sidhu Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU) in Dumka district of Jharkhand have shown a way forward.

Nearly 20 students, all members of National Service Scheme (NSS is an Indian government sponsored flagship program for public service conducted by Union youth affairs ministry) unit of SKMU, have decided to contribute their pocket expenses to provide free of cost oxygen cylinders to the needy in Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand.

“We saw horrifying pictures of persons dying waiting for oxygen cylinders in Uttar Pradesh and also saw pictures of Covid patients waiting for oxygen cylinders. We cannot sit idle when the country is confronted by such a crisis and decided among ourselves to make a start with whatever we can contribute from our pocket expense for the needy. We will be providing oxygen cylinder along with valve regulator and masks free of cost without taking any security deposit. Only they would have to produce doctor’s prescription and a photocopy of the Aadhaar card of patient,” said Jatin Kumar, a recipient of the National NSS Award 2018-19 in September 2020 from President Ram Nath Kovind, who is leading in arranging logistics of the oxygen cylinders.

They would be, however, charging refill charge of Rs 400 from those who can afford.

“Oxygen cylinders are very scarce and is available in excess of Rs 1000 but we are providing it free for poor and needy. However, those who can afford and can express their desire to pay they can pay Rs 400 for refill of the cylinder,” said Jatin Kumar, 25, a PG student of the university who has been creating awareness on social issues in the past too which has fetched him the NSS award.

As of now they have managed to arrange 10 oxygen cylinders.

“The stockists did not have any oxygen cylinders and has brought two cylinders on Wednesday evening and will be bringing eight more. We will be bringing the cylinders from the stockist along with other medical accessories and handing it to the patients after collecting their identity details. They will have to return the cylinder, valve and regulator. Mask will be disposed by us,” added Jatin Kumar.

Anybody willing to contribute to their cause or needing cylinders can contact on 8210132626.

Meanwhile, Marwari Yuva Manch, Prerna wing has also arranged 18 oxygen cylinders free of cost to the needy along with immunity booster.

“We will not be charging anything, if anybody is willing to pay on own they are welcome. We will also be giving immunity booster ayurvedic medicine free of cost,” said Rinku Modi, of the Marwari Yuva Manch.

On Tuesday, Jharkhand registered 4969 positive cases and 45 deaths. The total number of active positive cases in the state is at 33178.

Jharkhand will go for a weeklong lockdown from April 22 till April 29. However, vaccination drive will continue during lockdown and there will be a massive Rapid Antigen Test drive all over the state on April 22.