DOH asks suppliers to ensure oxygen tanks go to hospital facilities to prevent shortage

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday asked suppliers of oxygen tanks to regulate its distribution to ensure sufficient supply for hospital use.

“Nakikiusap kami sa ating mga suppliers na itong ating mga pagbebenta at pagpapahiram ng oxygen tanks ay ma-regulate natin na talagang ang mga kumukuha sa inyo ay mga hospital facilities lang muna,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media briefing.

(We are asking our suppliers who sell and lend their oxygen tanks to regulate your distribution and ensure that only hospital facilities get your supply.)

She also cautioned the public against getting and using oxygen tanks without proper instructions from medical professionals as it may cause more harm than good.

She said this may further affect the breathing of a person who does not need support from an oxygen tank.

“Sa ating mga kababayan, I know what you feel right now but this is not rational. Unang-una, it might cause you harm kung 'di ninyo talaga kailangan. Pangalawa, baka naman ‘yung supply ng ospital ay made-deplete kasi lahat ng ating mga household ay bumibili ng oxygen tanks,” she said.

(I know what our countrymen feel right now but this is not rational. First, it may cause you harm if you really don’t need it. Second, the supply of oxygen tanks in our hospitals may deplete if every household will secure one in their homes.)

Vergeire further advised the public to consult their physicians and local government units first before getting oxygen tanks.—AOL, GMA News