DGHS assures oxygen sufficient, but capacity to accommodate Covid-19 patients limited

Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Asela Gunawardena yesterday (27) assured the public that there was no shortage of medical oxygen required by hospitals treating Covid-19 patients.

 Dr. Gunawardena gave the assurance following the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) warning of a possible shortage due to the deteriorating situation and a section of the media alleging severe difficulties as a result of some hospitals being deprived of sufficient oxygen supplies.

 The top health official emphasised that those engaged in the supply of oxygen to hospitals had the capacity to increase their production depending on the requirement.

Referring to reports that the Kalubowila hospital, Mulleriyawa hospital and the Colombo East base hospital were affected by a shortage of oxygen, Dr. Gunawardena said that they would discuss with the relevant suppliers as regards the streamlining of supplies.

Deputy DGHS Dr Lal Panapitiya said that the Ministry had received an assurance from the two oxygen suppliers that they had the capacity to supply the amount of oxygen the country needed.

Faulting the public for irresponsible conduct during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, thereby triggering the current crisis, Dr. Gunawardena said that the spread of the epidemic was now much faster in the provinces than Colombo. The DGHS said that the public should realise that the capacity of the health system to treat Covid-19 patients was not unlimited and, therefore, the health guidelines should be strictly followed.

 Dr. Gunawardena warned of further intensification of measures against the spread of the pandemic unless the public followed instructions. (SF)