HC asks to inform PMO, AG about Oxyiet, alternative to HFNC

The High Court today asked the authorities concerned to inform the principal secretary at the prime minister's office (PMO) and the attorney general about "Oxyjet," a device invented by Biomedical Engineering Department of Buet as an alternative to high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in order to resolve the oxygen crisis for Covid-19 patients.

"Give a representation in black and white through email about the device 'Oxyjet to the principal secretary at the prime minister's office and the attorney general. Our prime minister is innovative minded. She considers if any good thing is placed before her. I hope the prime minister will consider production of Oxyiet," the HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim told lawyer Aneek R Haque.

Earlier in the day, Aneek R Haque told the HC bench that Biomedical Engineering Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) has invented a simple solution called "Oxyjet" which reduces the cost and is capable of supplying 60litres per minute.

The design and evaluation of the device was based on the UK-MHRA guidelines for Rapidly Manufactured CPAP System (RMCPAPS).

But the Buet is not getting the permission from Directorate General of Drug Administration for its production on the ground that it was not developed by a company, the lawyer said.

The HC said "We are interested to purchase things from foreign countries. However, it's a question whether BUET can produce the device (Oxyiet) for business purpose as there are some rules and regulations in production and purchase."

Aneek R Haque told The Daily Star that he just informed the HC about the "Oxyjet," a device invented by Biomedical Engineering Department of Buet as an alternative to high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in order to resolve the oxygen crisis for patients.

"I did not move any petition before the HC bench for an order. The court advised me to inform the principal secretary at PMO and attorney general about Oxyiet," he added.