The Malagasy state is strengthening its medical capabilities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic with 2,000 bottles of oxygen for the purpose of diligently treating people with this disease.
The country received a batch of 2,000 oxygen cylinders that arrived on May 3, 2021 from China’s Ivato airport, three days after the reception of 2,000 oxygen concentrators in the presence of the President of the Republic, according to a report note.
This is not the first wave of equipment of this type to arrive in the island nation. A first of 2,400 units of oxygen concentrators were imported in 2020 during the first pandemic wave.
Local authorities have been instructed to transport and release oxygen concentrators to health centers and hospitals. The priority regions targeted are those of Vakinankaratra, Haute Matsiatra and Sava.
These medical kits are intended to equip Malagasy healthcare workers who are on the front line to assist people suffering from the severe form of the infection.
“From now on, no compatriot should lose their life because of the lack of sanitary facilities such as oxygen,” Malagasy leader Andry Rajoelina said.
Air Madagascar reported the oxygen cylinders from China. Following the arrival of the 2,000 oxygen bottles, Andry Rajoelina recalled the need to “do everything possible to effectively fight against this pandemic and save the lives of our fellow citizens.”
The reception of the oxygen cylinders was followed by a visit by the president to the Higher Institute of Social Work, which will soon host a new Covid-19 treatment center (for the district of Atsimondrano) with a capacity of 160 beds.
These centers form the backbone of the government strategy to respond to the health crisis. Increasing their numbers and capacity is a priority for the state and aims to avoid overcrowding the health structures already in place.
The president also announced new instructions on improving the monitoring of premiums and protective equipment for health workers and volunteers in the centers.
AP/ls/fss/abj/APA