Accra, Oct. 3, GNA-On the occasion of World Oxygen Day, BKANK Group has underscored the importance and critical role of medical oxygen in saving lives.
As an essential health commodity, oxygen is vital in emergency and critical care, managing childhood pneumonia, maternal complications, surgical care, and infectious diseases like COVID-19.
A statement signed by Kofi Owusu Asamoah,
CEO, BKANK Group, said Ghana and the wider West African subregion had made significant progress in expanding access to oxygen through collaborative efforts.
Some notable developments in Ghana’s medical oxygen landscape include National Medical Oxygen Policy, which was launched in July 2023, ensuring efficient production and supply of medical oxygen to healthcare facilities nationwide.
There is also investment by Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana Ltd in Rikair Company Limited to enhance the availability of medical oxygen in Ghana, making it more accessible to communities nationwide.
Also, the US government donated 10 modern liquid oxygen plants to the Ghana Health Service, marking a pivotal advancement in the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Initiatives like the Critical Health Regional Medical Oxygen Infrastructure Project, promoted by BKANK Group, aim to enhance and sustain access to medical oxygen innovations.
This project is supported by national governments, development partners, and frontline health workers.
Despite progress, the statement noted that challenges persist in ensuring adequate medical oxygen supply and accessibility.
The statement called on Regional leaders, Policymakers, Researchers, and
International partners to invest in sustainable critical oxygen infrastructure to ensure reliable access for all.
It also urged support to build capacity of biomedical engineers and health workers, promote cross-border collaboration to address supply chain bottlenecks and champion equity so that every patient, regardless of location, has timely access to
oxygen when needed.
There is also the call for legislation recognizing oxygen as an essential drug, reducing preventable
mortality from hypoxemia and respiratory illness
and strengthening pandemic preparedness and response (PPR) and healthcare system
resilience.
The statement said steps must be taken to improve equitable access to medical oxygen for over 400 million people in West Africa and establish regional self-sufficiency in oxygen supply, reducing reliance on imports and emergency aid.
“Medical oxygen is not a luxury; it is a human right. By working together, we can ensure that no child, mother, or patient loses their life because of lack of access to this essential medicine,” the statement added.
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BKANK Group’s efforts to promote awareness and advocate for improved oxygen infrastructure are crucial in addressing these challenges and strengthening health systems.
By working together, stakeholders can help save lives and improve healthcare outcomes in Ghana and beyond.
Oxygen Day is marked on October 2 every year to raise awareness about the critical role of oxygen and to promote the importance of oxygen therapy for individuals with respiratory conditions.
GNA
Christian Akorlie