The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed in its report on public health infrastructure and management of health services in West Bengal that oxygen plants installed under the PM CARES fund were non-functional and ventilators remained idle during the Covid pandemic, according to a PTI report published on 26 July 2026.
Details of the Findings
The CAG report, which assesses the state's preparedness and response to the health crisis, flagged that the oxygen plants set up with PM CARES funding were not operational when needed most. Additionally, ventilators procured for Covid care were found to be idle, raising questions about the utilisation of resources during the emergency.
These findings point to significant shortcomings in the management of health services in West Bengal, the report noted. The non-functional oxygen plants and idle ventilators likely hampered the state's ability to treat severe Covid cases, especially during the deadly second wave when oxygen shortages were widespread across India.
Implications for Public Health Preparedness
The CAG's audit highlights systemic issues in the deployment of critical medical infrastructure. The PM CARES Fund, established to support emergency situations like the pandemic, allocated resources for oxygen generation plants and ventilators, but their non-functionality suggests lapses in implementation and maintenance.
According to the report, the failure to keep these assets operational could have exacerbated patient outcomes in a state already struggling with high caseloads. The findings underscore the need for robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that emergency funds translate into functional equipment.
The report is part of the CAG's broader assessment of public health infrastructure in West Bengal, covering various aspects of health service delivery during the Covid period. It serves as a critical evaluation of the state's readiness for future health emergencies.
