Medical Oxygen Production Station Starts Operating in Nookat
Translated from Russian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- A new medical oxygen production station has become operational at the Nookat district territorial hospital in Kyrgyzstan's Osh region.
- Implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the station addresses the critical oxygen shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The facility significantly reduces oxygen costs for the hospital and can supply neighboring districts, improving healthcare resilience.
The successful launch of the new medical oxygen production station in Nookat, Kyrgyzstan, marks a significant step forward in strengthening the nation's healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the wake of the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and supported by the Global Fund, directly addresses a critical need that became starkly apparent during the global health crisis.
The new station produces certified medical oxygen on-siteโapproximately 100-150 cylinders per dayโand is capable of supplying not only the Nookat hospital but also neighboring districts.
For Kyrgyzstan, a country where access to essential medical supplies can be challenging, especially in remote regions, the ability to produce certified medical oxygen on-site is a game-changer. The station's capacity to generate 100-150 cylinders daily not only ensures a stable supply for the Nookat hospital but also extends to neighboring districts. This self-sufficiency is crucial for maintaining healthcare services during emergencies and reducing reliance on external, often costly, supply chains.
while oxygen previously cost the hospital 32 million soms annually, it now costs approximately 3.7 million.
The economic benefits are equally noteworthy. The annual cost of oxygen for the Nookat hospital is projected to plummet from 32 million soms to approximately 3.7 million soms. This substantial saving frees up vital resources that can be redirected to other essential healthcare needs. Furthermore, the cost per cylinder drops significantly, making oxygen more affordable and accessible. From a Kyrgyz perspective, this project embodies a pragmatic and effective approach to building resilience within the national healthcare system, demonstrating the positive impact of international partnerships on local well-being and stability.
The cost of one cylinder is approximately 100 soms, compared to 250 soms from non-certified suppliers.
Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.