By Jamiruh Kalanzi
Buikwe- Uganda
The installation of a new oxygen generator at Kawolo Hospital in Buikwe district is steadily transforming emergency medical care at the facility.
The plant, which was donated by Atlantis Consults Company Limited, has drastically reduced the cost and time spent on transporting and refilling oxygen cylinders, providing a more reliable and cost-effective source of oxygen for patients in need of it.
Eight months ago, the government of Uganda introduced and installed the first oxygen generator at the facility to replace the use of oxygen cylinders for emergency medical care.
However, the new oxygen generator has transformed the hospital’s ability to provide life-saving care to patients by producing 93 percent high-purity oxygen on-site. It captures air from the hospital environment, compresses it, and separates the gases before supplying oxygen to the emergency department.
The plant has significantly reduced the hospital’s expenditure on transporting and refilling cylinders. Previously, the hospital relied on oxygen cylinders, which were not only expensive but also prone to supply chain disruptions.
Currently, the hospital can produce oxygen on-site, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming cylinder refills. The oxygen generator serves the maternity, theatre, and pediatric wards.
The hospital authorities have told us that the cost savings can be directed towards other areas of the hospital, such as hiring more staff or investing in new medical equipment. Ultimately, the aim is to enhance the standard of healthcare provided to patients.
The South Korean technology of an oxygen generator is highly advantageous compared to traditional oxygen cylinders. With a portable size refrigerator, it has a longer lifespan of 15 years and is secure against explosions.
In fact, according to Dr. Joshour Kiberu, the Hospital Medical Superintendent, a single oxygen generator has the ability to efficiently carry out the tasks that would otherwise require 14 oxygen cylinders.
Since the hospital acquired the plant, Kiberu says, they have experienced a reduction in their oxygen expenses. Previously, the hospital had to use 40 oxygen cylinders every week, which required them to hire a vehicle at a cost of Ugx350,000 for refilling.
“The cost of refilling each cylinder was less than Ugx40,000. However, with the oxygen plant, we are able to produce oxygen on-site, remove the need for frequent cylinder refilling and transportation costs,” he states.
Moreover, the frequency of cylinder refilling has significantly reduced from four times a month to just once a month, according to Kiberu.
However, enlightens that the cylinders are still in use in one of the emergency wings where there are no oxygen pipes, and the hospital keeps them refilled as a backup in case of power outages when the oxygen generator is unable to function.
“To function, the plant needs a power source. The hospital has a backup power generator provided by the government to support it during power outages,” he explains.
However, he adds, there are instances where the hospital faces challenges in affording the fuel for the standby generator.
Twaha Matovu, who is the Managing Director of Atlantis Consults Company Limited, a medical appliances firm, told us that the oxygen generator cost Ugx113m. And the machine only requires occasional repairs and cleaning every three months.
“In comparison, when utilized for critical purposes at a flow rate of 45 litres per minute, a cylinder that weighs 70 kilograms lasts significantly shorter, for only about two and a half hours,” he highlights.
Aaron Lubandi, the biomedical engineer at Kawolo, explains that the plant’s technology has significantly reduced the burden of carrying and rolling heavy oxygen cylinders from the refilling centres to the different wards within the facility.
To the residents and clients visiting Kawolo Hospital, the issue of oxygen shortage at the facility is no longer a concern. They recount that the demand for oxygen was mainly high during the past two years of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Tadeo Byabagambi, a Biomedical Engineer at the Ministry of Health, has stated that they are currently monitoring and studying the efficiency of the oxygen plant before soliciting funding from the government to install similar machines in other hospitals across the country.
Respiratory Diseases
There are several respiratory diseases in Uganda that may require oxygen therapy as part of the treatment. These include Pneumonia which is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Patients with severe COPD may require oxygen therapy to help them breathe more easily.
Another one is Asthma which is a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. However, severe asthma attacks may require oxygen therapy to help the patient breathe.
In addition, there is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the lungs become severely inflamed and fluid builds up in the air sacs, making it difficult to breathe. However, patients with ARDS may require oxygen therapy to help them breathe and maintain oxygen levels in their bloodstream.
COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for oxygen therapy worldwide. Severe cases of COVID-19 can cause respiratory failure, and patients may require oxygen therapy to help them breathe.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that oxygen therapy may not be required for all patients with these respiratory diseases. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and the patient’s individual needs.
Oxygen Demand
The demand for oxygen in Uganda has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Uganda’s Ministry of Health has reported that the country requires about 20,000 cylinders of oxygen daily to meet the growing demand for medical oxygen in hospitals and health facilities.
The government has been working to increase the supply of oxygen by installing oxygen plants in different hospitals across the country and importing oxygen from neighbouring countries.
Additionally, there have been efforts to educate the public on the importance of conserving oxygen and avoiding unnecessary use to ensure that there is enough supply to meet the demand.
Alternatives
According to health experts, hospitals without oxygen generators and cylinders can explore several alternatives to provide oxygen to patients and these include the following.
Use of Oxygen concentrators: These are devices that use air filters and sieve beds to extract oxygen from the surrounding air. They concentrate the oxygen and deliver it to the patient through a mask or nasal cannula.
Liquid oxygen: This is a form of oxygen that is stored at very low temperatures (-183°C) and is delivered to the patient through a portable tank or a stationary vessel.
Ventilators: In some cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing. Ventilators can provide a mix of air and oxygen to the patient.
It is important to note that the appropriate alternative will depend on the specific needs and resources of the hospital. Healthcare professionals should consult with medical experts to determine the best course of action for their patients.
END
English 