PM CARES Fund has given approval for procurement of 150,000 units of Oxycare System developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at a cost of Rs. 322.5 crore. 

Oxycare is a SpO2 based Oxygen Supply System which regulates the oxygen being administered to patients based on the sensed SpO2 levels. As per the approval, 100,000 manual and 50,000 automatic Oxycare Systems along with non-rebreather masks are being procured. 

Developed by Defence Bioengineering & ElectroMedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru of DRDO for soldiers posted at extreme high altitude areas. The system is indigenously developed for operation in field conditions and is robust and can be effectively used to treat COVID-19 patients. 

There are two variants of Oxycare System. The basic version consists of a 10-litre oxygen cylinder, a pressure regulator cum flow controller, a humidifier and a nasal cannula. The oxygen flow is regulated manually based on the SpO2 readings. In the second configuration, the oxygen cylinder is equipped with electronic controls which automatically regulates the oxygen flow through a low-pressure regulator and a SpO2 probe. 

The SpO2 Based Oxygen Supply System optimises the consumption of oxygen based on the SpO2 reading of the patient and effectively increases the endurance of portable oxygen cylinders. The threshold SpO2 value for initiating flow from the system can be adjusted by the health staff. 

The automatic system also provides suitable audio warning for various failure scenarios including low SpO2 values and probe disconnections. The non-rebreather masks are integrated with the Oxycare Systems for efficient use of oxygen which results in saving of Oxygen by 30-40%. The non-rebreather masks need to be changed for every patient. 

These Oxycare systems can be used at homes, quarantine centres, COVID care centres and hospitals.

 The DRDO has transferred the technology to multiple industries in India which will be producing the Oxycare Systems.