Industrialists join forces against coronavirus
Manufacturers have moved in to cushion the country against any shortage of medical oxygen cylinders which could negatively affect the treatment of Covid-19 patients.
Availability of filled oxygen gas cylinders is key in the treatment of the pandemic.
Steel magnate Narendra Raval pledged, through a letter to the Ministry of Health, Sh100 million worth of oxygen to all government hospitals.
“Oxygen will be collected from our Mombasa, Ruiru and Athi River Devki Steel Mills Ltd factories in exchange with empty cylinders,” reads the letter in part.
This came as Industrial and Medical Gas manufacturer, BOC Kenya Plc called out for return of all underutilised medical cylinders to their factory outlets across the country for refilling.
BOC Kenya managing director Marion Mwangi said about 20,000 medical oxygen cylinders were out in the market or not in use yet they could save many lives.
Adequate supply
Mwangi said in a statement that returning the cylinders for re-fill will enhance planning for adequate supply of medical oxygen and medical air in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We want to enhance our support to the government and private healthcare providers in responding to the treatment of Covid -19 by increasing our national medical gases cylinder float while still observing the comprehensive counter measures that have been provided,” said Mwangi.
“We, therefore, urge anyone with idle cylinders to surrender to us for use with urgency. The company will issue requisite documents which can be retained for future use,” she said.
The firm provides medical oxygen products to enable healthcare professionals to provide services in both private and public hospitals in Kenya.
