With constant rise in the COVID-19 infections in the city and hospitals fast running out of beds, many patients succumb to the virus-related complications like breathlessness due to lack of oxygen support on time. To address the issue, Saifee Ambulance and an NGO on Friday started an initiative to allow people to rent oxygen tanks so that the patients can get immediate help.

People who need an oxygen cylinder can call on the existing number of Saifee Ambulance and rent one along with the tubes and other accessories. Shabbir Bharmal, vice president of the Saifee Ambulance Society, said they have started the initiative in South Mumbai with 500 cylinders, and are considering extending it to other parts of the city as well. "We receive around 15-20 calls every day from people whose family member(s) are having difficulty breathing and who need oxygen support till they find a bed in a hospital. This allows them to access emergency medical help they need."