Afrikids Health Centre receives oxygen concentrator

A UK Charity Organisation has donated three oxygen Concentrators and storage machines to health facilities in the Upper East Region to support patients in critical care.

The equipment, which cost GHC72,000.00 was donated through a partnership between the Ghana Health Service and Afrikids Charity (GAS) in the UK.

Dr. Malvena Stuart Taylor, a retired consultant Anaesthestist of Southhampton, who presented one of the machines to Afrikids Health Centre in Bolgatanga, said the eight year partnership was to provide training for health personnel in critical care and support health services in the Region with materials needed to care for patients in critical conditions.

The electrified concentrator allows oxygen to be stored in the absence of electricity and is able to transfer oxygen to other cylinders for use in different wards at the same time.

She reiterated the importance of the machines and urged the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to appreciate the cost- benefit of the device and therefore consider giving such machines to other hospitals in the country.

Dr Taylor urged the Centre to ensure frequent maintenance of the equipment and said shipping cylinders with oxygen was expensive and its state on arrival was unpredictable and therefore maintaining the equipment will save lots of lives of patients who depended on oxygen in crisis.

Mr Godfred Njindam, the Administrator at the health facility, who received the donation expressed gratitude to the Charity and said the equipment came at the right time, since most of the patients in critical care were usually referred to other facilities.

He said the health facility received over 60,000 patients annually and the Concentrator would be of much help to many.

Mr Njindam assured the Charity of their commitment to ensure routine maintenance to keep the equipment for a long time.

GAS partnership is an existing and pioneered linkage between the government of Ghana and the NGO, providing health service that responds to needs and complimenting services already existing in the Upper East Region.

It also enhances skills of professionals, to make lasting impact on health needs of the people in the Region.