The Ministry of Health has passed a cautionary notice on the increasing number of people administering oxygen to covid-19 patients within their homes and in many other unregulated places.
According to the Director of General Health Service, Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, the oxygen being administered to patients could be very dangerous because it is purchased from unknown places some of which are not certified and accredited by the ministry and National Drug Authority.
In a press release issued on Friday, Dr. Mwebesa warned that oxygen is a dangerous medical supply that must be manned by only professional physicians.
“This Oxygen is one of the Class A medical supplies that should only be used after proper prescription by medical personnel; and its use should at all time, be monitored and regulated by a trained health worker.”
Dr. Mwebesa added that the haphazard Oxygen administration has resulted in the deterioration of patients’ situation and by the time they are rushed to hospitals, they are in poor condition and sometimes cannot be helped.
“The public should note that this is very dangerous to the lives of patients and the entire household where such administration is taking place. This is because covid-19 patients who require oxygen have a severe or critical illness and such cases must be managed in hospitals, not at home.”
Other reasons he noted include; Oxygen administered in unnecessary higher doses/level is toxic to many vital body organs such as the brains and due to the lack of proper regulation and monitoring, several patients’ conditions are deteriorating because of receiving either lower or higher oxygen doses as the different severity levels may demand.
He added that the ministry is even not sure whether or not the oxygen being used is medical Oxygen or industrial Oxygen. He also noted that not every Covid-19 positive patient requires oxygen therapy.
Dr. Mwebesa also warned that Oxygen is flammable therefore if it’s improperly used or managed, it can cause dangerous fires to the households and entire community.
“The public is, therefore, urged to desist from this dangerous practice with immediate effect, the ministry advises the public to seek care for those who are found positive with Covid-19 from their nearest health facilities.”
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