(PAHO)-In order to help increase the capacity of health services in the context of the health emergency caused by COVID-19, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) donated 25 oxygen concentrators and 25 supply kits to the National Health Service (SNS) for use for 6 months.
The provision of oxygen concentrators for health facilities, especially in low complexity centers, is a valid, fast and economical option, since they only require a constant source of electrical energy for their use, thus contributing, together with other interventions, to continue saving lives.
In addition to the oxygen concentrators, each supply kit contains 2 oxygen tanks, 4 humidifying cups and accessories; 1,000 nasal oxygen cannulas (500 for adults and 500 pediatric); and 250 oxygen masks. This equipment will be distributed to 19 health centers located in different regions of the country.
During the delivery, the director of the SNS, Dr. Mario Lama thanked the Organization for this new donation which contributes to “continue the fight against this global health emergency. In addition, this contribution will further strengthen the care centers that receive patients affected by COVID-19,” he said.
For his part, the PAHO/WHO representative in the country, Dr. Olivier Ronveaux, highlighted the Organization’s commitment to continue accompanying the country in the preparation of health centers to provide appropriate care to all those who need medical attention due to COVID-19 or any other health problem.
The representative emphasized that despite the fact that so far the country has under control the demand for medical attention in health centers and that a drop in the percentage of positive cases is reported, “efforts must continue so that this scenario does not change, keeping health centers ready for timely care and calling on the population to continue with prevention and protection measures to reduce the risk of spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus”.
During this health emergency, PAHO/WHO has made other donations of equipment and supplies to the SNS, in addition to which both entities have been collaborating in joint actions that include the development of guidelines and manuals for health centers; training of health personnel; collaboration in the analysis to establish the needs of hospitals for the response to COVID-19; and technical support in the adaptation and development of documents.
