KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population is preparing to procure as many as 20 thousand oxygen cylinders to deal with the shortage of oxygen if the COVID-19 crisis deepens in future.

The ministry has initiated preparation for the same fearing shortage of medical supplies and equipment following a surge in the number of Covid-19 patients in the country.

The Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Jageshwor Gautam said that a decision has been made to urge the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to procure the necessary cylinders from abroad.