Beware, while buying oxygen concentrators

Sir,

With COVID cases spiking all over the country, oxygen concentrators are in great demand of late and we read in newspapers about various individuals and organisations donating the same to COVID Care Centres and designated COVID Hospitals. Now we are seeing advertisements, both online and in newspapers from unknown dealers quoting unrealistically cheap rates.

Oxygen concentrators are a replacement to the old system of oxygen filled cylinders. These oxygen concentrators came to India a few years back and there is no Indian manufacturer.

Some have tried to assemble and sell them unsuccessfully. These rackets are prevailing in North India where consumers are cheated to the tune of lakhs of rupees. Now this racket may be moving down South.

As I am also a surgical dealer, I know the prices from importers. I also know there is no 7 litre machines as some advertisements claim, it is only 8 litre machines. Most of the oxygen concentrators come from China. Some companies have also imported it from America and France.

If you speak about brands, usually European brands are very good when compared to Chinese ones. So the question is how does one go about buying an oxygen concentrator.

From my experience as a surgical dealer, the best way to buy an oxygen concentrator is:

  1. You should know the dealer from whom you are buying. 2. Find out about the brand that is available. 3. Make sure the dealer gives warranty and service. Usually the warranty period of an oxygen concentrator is two to three years.

I suggest readers not to buy online as the machines are delicate and susceptible to damages.

Many unscrupulous sellers are attracting people to buy oxygen concentrators by quoting low prices or asking for 50 percent advance payment. They show GST numbers which when you check with the internet gets approved as a good trader. They send logistic lorry E-way Bills and courier vouchers which are all fake. So consumers, please beware.

– Dwarakanath, Mysuru, 24.5.2021

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This post was published on May 25, 2021 5:55 pm