Low medical oxygen supply felt in some Mindanao provinces

As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases continue to rise, some provinces in Mindanao are facing a low supply of medical oxygen. 

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras,” the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 9 said Zamboanga del Sur has a lack of oxygen supply.

The DOH Region 9 said their supplier from Cagayan de Oro City is having difficulty providing their supply due to the rising cases in the area.

“’Yung supplier nila sa… Cagayan de Oro ay nahihirapan na rin mag-supply sa kanila dahil sa surge doon sa area na ‘yan,” DOH Region 9 Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes said.

“’Yun ang problema ng Zamboanga del Sur as of now… Pinadala na nila dito sa Zamboanga City, with the aid of our military, para ma-refill ang mga tangke nila ng oxygen,” he added.

On Tuesday, 200 oxygen tanks were brought to Zamboanga del Sur.

The Zamboanga Medical Center has also issued an advisory that their supply is at a critical level. Those seeking admission were advised to bring their own oxygen.

Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) chief Ramon Lopez said three oxygen manufacturers have started to deliver oxygen to Mindanao. The DTI is the agency tasked to regulate the supply and cost of oxygen tanks in the country.

“Tingin natin itong three weeks, critical or ‘yung critical ‘yung period na kailangan bantayan ‘yung supply or demand so that hindi tayo magkaroon ng shortage,” Lopez said.

The Philippines consumes 655 tons of oxygen per day while production was increased to 800 tons a day.

Meanwhile, the oxygen supply in Metro Manila remains sufficient.

According to the DOH, 5 lbs oxygen tank should be sold at P2,465 to P3,400 while a 15 lbs oxygen tank should be sold at P4,030 to P5,500. -- Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News