Kisumu County has stepped up efforts in the fight against Covid-19 after receiving a donation of 18 Oxygen concentrator machines from a Non-Governmental Organization barely a week after launching an oxygen generating plant.
Ubuntu CBO, working in Ahero, Nyando Sub County donated the machines to augment the oxygen production plant that has a capacity to produce 600 liters per minute.
Ms Truphosa Orimba-Lutz, the Chief Executive Officer of Ubuntu handed over the medical equipment to Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o last week.
She revealed that the havoc caused by the suffering and death by Kenyans due to Covid-19 prompted her to mobilize resources from friends to help save lives in local public hospitals with a keen focus on Covid-19 patients.
“I felt bad when I heard how Covid-19 is killing our people and decided to act. I will return to Germany and source for more life-saving equipment,” reiterated Ms Orimba.
In addition, the CEO promised that the NGO would further donate assorted dental equipment to aid in the oral and dental health programs in public health facilities.
“I am very happy to meet the Governor today. My CBO will from today closely collaborate with his office to help our people, more specifically on health matters,” she added.
Governor Nyong’o expressed gratitude for the Oxygen equipment, saying they would help save the lives of patients with breathing difficulties in the hospitals. He said the machines would be distributed to sub-county hospitals where they are much needed.
“We will be sending the equipment to rural hospitals where a shortage of life-saving machines has been a challenge,” Governor Nyong’o said.
Oxygen concentrator machines are medically used to filter oxygen from the atmosphere and storing it in cylinders to be used by patients with respiratory challenges. Also, it can be used by physicians during oxygen therapy for chronic bronchitis, pulmonary diseases and emphysema complications.
According to World Health Organization, (WHO) Oxygen concentrators provide supplementary oxygen for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and, in higher concentrations, for severe chronic hypoxemia and pulmonary edema.
The concentrator can provide the life-supporting gas for hours and does not need to be replaced or refilled with anything.
By Robert Ojwang’
