OXYGEN RATIONING AT CLINIC GROUP HOSPITALS

mbongeni@times.co.sz

MBABANE – While COVID-19 deaths surge higher, private hospitals have resolved to ration oxygen on hospitalised patients.

According to a notice published yesterday by the Clinic Group, the rationing of oxygen has been caused by a nationwide shortage. 

Last week, the Times SUNDAY reported that shortage of fuel has grounded many motorists, stakeholders, retailers and trucks transporting the much-needed oxygen. Currently, oxygen is used by COVID-19 patients, especially those that are placed on ventilators. 

According to health experts, high flow oxygen therapy (HFNO) is the first line of defence for patients suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), who require oxygenation support. According to www.medicinetoday.com Covid-19 patients are highly likely to suffer from ARDS and need oxygen.

According to www.airblendmedical.com, the AirBlend HF60L ventilator  blends, warms up and, humidifies air and oxygen to be administered to the patients. 

well tolerated

“Capable of flow rates ranging from 6 to 60 litres per minute with oxygen concentration control. Extended periods of treatment with HF60L are well tolerated. Non-invasive controlled delivery of humidified, warmed-up gas mixture reduces the risk of complications,” states the website.

Welcome Motsa, Spokesperson at The Clinic Group, confirmed the rationing of oxygen.

“Yes, the statement is authentic. We are currently working on the issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, the statement read as follows:

“To doctors and nursing staff due to the current nationwide shortage of oxygen, we unfortunately have to  start rationing hospitalised patients. With immediate effect, all patients must now be rationed to a maximum flow of 10lt/min,”

Yesterday social networks were abuzz with users who raised concerns over the rationing of oxygen. The concerns were that many hospitalised patients were in a critical stage, seeking oxygen and the number of COVID-19 deaths is increasing.

“The health system has collapsed and we are doomed,” posted a Facebook user.

The shocking news come at a time when the ministry of health has announced that it was under strain following the surge in COVID-19 infections.

According to principal secretary in the ministry Dr Simon Zwane, health facilities no longer have beds and oxygen for new admissions.

“There is currently no space for new beds at the Lubombo Referral Hospital and at the Luke Commission in Sidvokodvo,” he said in an article published by our sister publication, the Times Eswatini daily. The PS disclosed that the ministry’s facilities were consuming about 700 cylinders of 10.2 kilogrammes oxygen per day, which was the first for the country.

However, the PS yesterday told Times SUNDAY that they have been engaged by the Clinic Group about the shortage.

engaging

“We are engaging them on how they can get help so that we do not lose more lives. As government, we are doing all we can to get more oxygen from neighbouring countries to help with the situation,” he said.

Asked what could be the solution to the shortage, the PS responded that the rise in COVID-19 cases has prompted a demand of oxygen.

“At the moment, we request assistance from institutions and stakeholders who have oxygen to double their supply to the country. In fact, there will be a lot of activity as the ministry would move around transporting available oxygen,” he said.

However, some websites have argued that oxygen can be delivered to your home as compressed oxygen gas. However, there are ‘low flow’ concentrators, delivering one to five litres per minute of oxygen, and ‘high flow’ concentrators that go up to 10 litres per minute. .

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: