Source: https://www.namibian.com.na/102650/r...built-for-this
'Health system was never built for this'
News - National | 2021-06-18
SHELLEYGAN PETERSEN, ARLANA SHIKONGO and CHARMAINE NGATJIHEUE
AS the number of new coronavirus infections and deaths in the country increases on a daily basis, hospitals have been forced to leave some rooms empty because of the shortage of oxygen.
Some doctors have predicted that the situation could get worse in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday, The Namibian visited the Covid-19 intensive care unit (ICU) at Windhoek Central Hospital and found that a room which can accommodate at least four patients was empty because of the lack of oxygen the hospital is experiencing.
Health executive director Ben Nangombe earlier this week said oxygen tanks were recently installed at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, while other hospitals like Windhoek Central Hospital had to continue relying on oxygen cylinders.
As of Wednesday, the health ministry had reported that 400 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, 84 of whome were in the intensive care unit and 56 in high care.
“The health system was never built for this,” Nangombe said.
Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday said the hospital has 72 high-care and 22 ICU beds.
The Namibian found that the hospital's capacity is 17, however, only 11 patients can currently be accommodated due to the shortage of oxygen.
Oxygen cylinders that were in the room were empty.
Shangula yesterday admitted that the oxygen situation is concerning.
He said it not only affects Namibia, adding that the ministry is working with private suppliers.
Due to demand, however, private suppliers' capacity had also been affected..
'Health system was never built for this'
News - National | 2021-06-18
SHELLEYGAN PETERSEN, ARLANA SHIKONGO and CHARMAINE NGATJIHEUE
AS the number of new coronavirus infections and deaths in the country increases on a daily basis, hospitals have been forced to leave some rooms empty because of the shortage of oxygen.
Some doctors have predicted that the situation could get worse in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday, The Namibian visited the Covid-19 intensive care unit (ICU) at Windhoek Central Hospital and found that a room which can accommodate at least four patients was empty because of the lack of oxygen the hospital is experiencing.
Health executive director Ben Nangombe earlier this week said oxygen tanks were recently installed at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, while other hospitals like Windhoek Central Hospital had to continue relying on oxygen cylinders.
As of Wednesday, the health ministry had reported that 400 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, 84 of whome were in the intensive care unit and 56 in high care.
“The health system was never built for this,” Nangombe said.
Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday said the hospital has 72 high-care and 22 ICU beds.
The Namibian found that the hospital's capacity is 17, however, only 11 patients can currently be accommodated due to the shortage of oxygen.
Oxygen cylinders that were in the room were empty.
Shangula yesterday admitted that the oxygen situation is concerning.
He said it not only affects Namibia, adding that the ministry is working with private suppliers.
Due to demand, however, private suppliers' capacity had also been affected..
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