SHILLONG: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officials on Tuesday said, that 8 oxygen generation plants are being installed in the three northeast states viz Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura, with the help of the Japanese government and UNDP. The plants have the capacity to serve approximately 1,300 beds. Three civil hospitals in Tura, Nongpoh and Jowai in Meghalaya now have emergency oxygen supply available to provide intensive care treatment to the critically ill Covid-19 patients. The plants utilise pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology to produce up to 800 litres of oxygen per minute. IN his twitter handle, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma noted: "Inauguration of the Oxygen Generation Plant funded by Indian Emb Tokyo and UNDP, India at Nongpoh Civil Hospital by Health Minister, Sh. Hek Laloo & MLA, Sh. M. Syiem today... Gratitude to UNDP & Embassy of Japan to India on behalf of the people of Ri Bhoi." Meghalaya government's Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare Department) Sampath Kumar said: "Ensuring uninterrupted supply of oxygen in the hospitals of the state for treatment of Covid-19 patients had been a challenge for the Health Department." He thanked the Government of Japan and UNDP for the support extended to strengthen the state District Hospitals at Tura, Nongpoh and Jowai by installing PSA Oxygen Plants which are critical during this time of the pandemic. US Budget Deficit Grew to Record USD 2.1 Trillion in Fiscal Year's First 8 Months U.S Goods and services trade deficit declines to USD 68.9 bn in April G7 corporate tax deal: India likely to benefit from global minimum 15 pc