Oxygen is an indispensable medication that cannot be replaced and is critical for saving lives. Medical professionals use it to treat respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and pneumonia, as well as during surgical procedures and in the event of trauma. Certain vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, expectant mothers, and newborns, require regular oxygen therapy.
However, despite its importance, oxygen is a complicated product that must be produced by medical devices or industrial plants and transported safely to patients. Access to oxygen poses many challenges, including availability, quality, affordability, management, supply, human resources capacity, and safety.
To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) is continually developing resources and tools to improve access to oxygen.
Impact
Research conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has discovered that less than half of all healthcare facilities have consistent access to oxygen. This lack of reliable oxygen supply has been linked to preventable deaths, especially in LMICs. For instance, it has been estimated that strengthening oxygen supplies could prevent up to 122,000 childhood pneumonia deaths each year. The problem of oxygen access is not limited to LMICs; studies have shown that it is a global issue. For example, a recent study revealed that only 1 in 5 facilities treating respiratory infections in Mauritania and 1 in 10 in Niger had oxygen in sub-Saharan Africa. Surveys by the United States Agency for International Development showed comparable findings in South America and South Asia. The global medical oxygen issue has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a serious concern.
Despite being an essential medicine, creating oxygen that is safe for patient usage is a complicated process that necessitates devices and systems to deliver oxygen to patients, such as pulse oximeters and ventilators, as well as properly trained health personnel. Despite the difficulties, the investment of time and resources required to meet oxygen supply demands is well worth it. The support for urgent medicinal oxygen scaling-up will save lives by improving care for people with COVID-19, severe pneumonia, and other conditions that require oxygen therapy.
WHO Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) continually updates its guidance on the clinical use of oxygen for various diseases and health conditions. WHO efforts include developing technical specifications to increase access to quality products and ensure the supply of oxygen in low-resource settings. These efforts also aim to assist ministries of health in ensuring oxygen supply availability and highlighting the importance of proper selection, procurement, maintenance, and use of medical devices.
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out over a year ago, the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator was established with two objectives: the rapid development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics; and equitable access to those tools. Despite this, many countries still struggle to obtain sufficient oxygen supply for patients. The Oxygen Task was also launched as part of the ACT Accelerator to address surges in oxygen demand and reduce preventable deaths. It identified immediate funding needs of US$90 million for medical oxygen in up to 20 low- and middle-income countries.
Other tools for increasing access to oxygen include forecasting tools for COVID, which estimate oxygen requirements based on epidemiological conditions. WHO’s strategic action and resource requirements to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, biomedical equipment inventory tools for COVID-19 case management, and assessment tools for oxygen and related equipment are also available.
You can now rent Wheelchairs, Hospital Bed/Cot, Patient Bed, Wheelchairs, Oxygen Machine Concentrators, BIPAP CPAP at our stores in Mangalore Udupi Kundapur.
We provide Adult Diapers, Ortho/ MCR/ Diabetic/ Medical Footwear, Massagers, Oxygen Cylinders, Apron, Walkers and Walking Sticks at attractive prices. Offers are valid for a limited time only. Call 9740931185.
