Oxygen supply enough, but tank turnaround slow –gases supplier

The Philippine Confederation of Industrial Gases Inc. (PCIG) on Saturday said the supply of medical-grade oxygen in the country is sufficient but the seeming shortage of oxygen tanks arises from the slow turnover from hospitals to refillers.

In an interview on Dobol B TV, PCIGI president Raymond Chu said that at the moment there is no supply shortage of medical-grade oxygen since the capacity of the industry is huge.

“We have the capabilities to produce oxygen, maybe at around 700 tons per day -- medical grade and industrial grade. The medical grade is around 220 tons per day,” Chu said.

“In terms of (oxygen) cylinders… it is too much of what is needed so even if the demand doubled or even tripled, we have sufficient supply of cylinders,” he added.

However, he said the turnaround of medical-grade oxygen cylinders is slow.

“There are a lot of idle cylinders in the hospitals… Right now, if the COVID patient can consume one cylinder in less than two hours, the cylinders right now can take 10 days to return to the supplier,” Chu said.

“The problem is cylinders were not being returned for refilling,” he added.

On Thursday The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed confidence that the country will not face a “big problem” over the supply of oxygen tanks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

FDA director general Eric Domingo pointed out that the manufacturers have not even used 50% of their manufacturing or supply capability yet.

Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry also said there is enough supply of oxygen tanks.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez warned erring distributors, and hoarders of oxygen tanks, that the department would be running after them.

With this, Chu said the circulation of oxygen tanks or cylinders should be faster to meet the rising demand.

“Kahit one week o seven days na turnaround ng mga oxygen tanks malaking tulong na,” he said.

(A one week or seven days turnaround of oxygen tanks will be a great help.)

Chua said there should be a person assigned in every hospital to manage the circulation of oxygen tanks.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe into and file charges against suspected hoarders of oxygen tanks and other medical supplies.

The Philippine National Police also has its investigation into the possible hoarding of oxygen tanks and other medical supplies amid the continuing threat of COVID-19.

All these came after Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama on Tuesday urged the national government to ask the police and the DTI to look into the supposed hoarding of oxygen tanks.  —LBG, GMA News