ErongoRED donates 7 oxygen concentrators
• Need remains high
ErongoRED donated the equipment that was procured during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to support staff members.
Approximately 30 000 people in the Erongo Region suffer from chronic respiratory conditions, highlighting the ongoing need for oxygen concentrators.
This was stated by Dr Leonard Kabongo, chief medical officer at the health ministry, who added that respiratory conditions are among the top ten causes of death in the region.
ErongoRED has responded to this need by donating seven oxygen concentrators. Of these, three were allocated to Walvis Bay State Hospital, two to Swakopmund State Hospital and one each to the hospitals in Usakos and Omaruru.
Immanuel !Hanabeb, CEO of ErongoRED, explained that during the Covid-19 pandemic, from 2020 to 2022, the world experienced a dramatic increase in oxygen demand, leading to widespread supply shortages.
“At ErongoRED, we recognised the heightened risk our employees faced during the pandemic. With the strain on public health resources, particularly oxygen supply, our Covid task team decided to take action. In 2020, we procured seven oxygen concentrators to support any staff members who might need them due to severe Covid-19 symptoms," he explained.
"Thankfully, with the decline in Covid-19 cases worldwide, the situation improved, and the pandemic status was eventually lifted. To date, only one of these machines has been used, and no further requests have been made by staff or their families. The machines remain in excellent condition,” he added.
Crucial assistance
!Hanabeb emphasised that they are aware of the ongoing shortage of oxygen concentrators at state medical facilities. Some hospitals have been forced to ration these devices between inpatients and those receiving care at home.
“These machines, procured at a total cost of N$225 400, are still in excellent condition and can greatly assist in providing life-saving care. It is with pride that we hand them over to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, confident they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need,” !Hanabeb said.
“In addition to this donation, ErongoRED recently assisted the Swakopmund State Hospital with electrical connections. We also plan to repair and replace the streetlights outside the hospital to improve visibility at night, enhancing safety for both patients and medical staff. The cost of this project will be approximately N$35 000,” he added.
The CEO also highlighted the establishment of a contingency fund for emergency situations. "The intention is to see how responsive we can be as a company. In Namibia, we have good policies, but we often lack responsiveness."
Patients benefit
Dr Kabongo welcomed the donation, stating that the oxygen concentrators come at a critical time.
“For patients on long-term palliative oxygen therapy, these machines can be used safely at home without the need for external oxygen sources. Oxygen concentrators work by extracting oxygen from the environment, purifying it and delivering it to the patient. These five-litre concentrators can provide at least five litres of oxygen per minute,” he explained.
He thanked ErongoRED for their support and assured them that the devices would be well-maintained and used to their full potential. “Our teams are well-trained to manage these devices. Patients receiving palliative care will undergo a social assessment to ensure that those truly in need benefit from these concentrators.”
This was stated by Dr Leonard Kabongo, chief medical officer at the health ministry, who added that respiratory conditions are among the top ten causes of death in the region.
ErongoRED has responded to this need by donating seven oxygen concentrators. Of these, three were allocated to Walvis Bay State Hospital, two to Swakopmund State Hospital and one each to the hospitals in Usakos and Omaruru.
Immanuel !Hanabeb, CEO of ErongoRED, explained that during the Covid-19 pandemic, from 2020 to 2022, the world experienced a dramatic increase in oxygen demand, leading to widespread supply shortages.
“At ErongoRED, we recognised the heightened risk our employees faced during the pandemic. With the strain on public health resources, particularly oxygen supply, our Covid task team decided to take action. In 2020, we procured seven oxygen concentrators to support any staff members who might need them due to severe Covid-19 symptoms," he explained.
"Thankfully, with the decline in Covid-19 cases worldwide, the situation improved, and the pandemic status was eventually lifted. To date, only one of these machines has been used, and no further requests have been made by staff or their families. The machines remain in excellent condition,” he added.
Crucial assistance
!Hanabeb emphasised that they are aware of the ongoing shortage of oxygen concentrators at state medical facilities. Some hospitals have been forced to ration these devices between inpatients and those receiving care at home.
“These machines, procured at a total cost of N$225 400, are still in excellent condition and can greatly assist in providing life-saving care. It is with pride that we hand them over to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, confident they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need,” !Hanabeb said.
“In addition to this donation, ErongoRED recently assisted the Swakopmund State Hospital with electrical connections. We also plan to repair and replace the streetlights outside the hospital to improve visibility at night, enhancing safety for both patients and medical staff. The cost of this project will be approximately N$35 000,” he added.
The CEO also highlighted the establishment of a contingency fund for emergency situations. "The intention is to see how responsive we can be as a company. In Namibia, we have good policies, but we often lack responsiveness."
Patients benefit
Dr Kabongo welcomed the donation, stating that the oxygen concentrators come at a critical time.
“For patients on long-term palliative oxygen therapy, these machines can be used safely at home without the need for external oxygen sources. Oxygen concentrators work by extracting oxygen from the environment, purifying it and delivering it to the patient. These five-litre concentrators can provide at least five litres of oxygen per minute,” he explained.
He thanked ErongoRED for their support and assured them that the devices would be well-maintained and used to their full potential. “Our teams are well-trained to manage these devices. Patients receiving palliative care will undergo a social assessment to ensure that those truly in need benefit from these concentrators.”
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