Medical Oxygen in the South-West: Challenges and Opportunities

Aiyegbusi Samuel

May 24, 2024 — 4 min read

Most times the terms “oxygen” and “medical oxygen” are used interchangeably by many. However, there are big differences between industrial oxygen and medical oxygen. Oxygen as we know is the essential element that sustains life. In its pure form, oxygen is used in various industrial applications, such as welding and cutting. It is also the elementary gas that makes up approximately 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere.

However, when it comes to medical solutions, a higher level of purity and quality control is required. This is where medical oxygen comes in—it’s a specialized form of oxygen that is only used when it meets certain standards in healthcare settings, it’s used for a range of medical conditions, from chronic respiratory diseases to emergency situations; medical oxygen is considered to be the backbone of healthcare.

This blog post explores the medical use of oxygen, oxygen equipment, and oxygen therapy, also highlighting the challenges, opportunities and strategies for improvement in Nigeria.

What is medical oxygen?

Medical oxygen is a type of oxygen that is specially produced for use in the human body. Usually, where industrial oxygen is not appropriate for human use due to its multiple impurities, medical oxygen is typically 90% to 99.9% pure, meeting the standards set for medical use.

Because of this purity, it is considered suitable for a variety of solutions. However, due to the fact that medical oxygen is delicate, it must meet a host federal, state and local regulations from a variety of administrations before use, like the National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control which regulates medical oxygen as a pharmaceutical product, the medical device regulations in Nigeria under the NAFDAC Act covers medical oxygen equipment and devices, with the Nigerian Ministry of Health overseeing healthcare services, including oxygen therapy.

These regulations ensure the safety and efficacy of medical oxygen but can also slow down the supply process, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.

Key terms in medical oxygen

Oxygen Therapy: This involves delivering oxygen to patients through inhalation, transfusion, or hyperbaric chambers. Understanding the different methods and equipment is vital for effective treatment.
Equipment and Devices: Oxygen tanks, Oxygen flow regulators, pulse oximeters, oxygen purity analyzers, masks and nasal cannulas are essential devices for oxygen therapy. Ensuring access to functioning equipment is vital for patient care.
Clinical Guidelines: Guidelines for oxygen therapy vary by medical condition. Understanding these guidelines is essential for effective treatment, especially for patients coping with pneumonia and heart failure.

The challenges often faced in the South-West

Healthcare providers and hospitals in Nigeria face several challenges in the supply of medical oxygen. Infrastructure deficiencies, inconsistent supply chains, inadequate facilities, and transportation issues contribute to financial constraints and hinder the reliable supply of medical oxygen.

Additionally, technical challenges, such as maintaining equipment and ensuring quality control, are exacerbated by a lack of skilled technicians resulting in frequent breakdowns and inadequate repair facilities. Regulatory and logistical barriers including complex importation regulations, further complicate the situation. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed these weaknesses, increasing demand and competing for limited resources.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach to revolutionizing the healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This involves tackling infrastructure issues, financial constraints, technical expertise, and healthcare equity to ensure that everyone has reliable access to medical oxygen.

The way forward

To improve the supply of medical oxygen in the South-West region, several strategies can be implemented:

Technological Innovations: Embracing innovations such as portable oxygen concentrators and solar-powered oxygen plants can enhance accessibility and reliability.
Local Production: Investing in local cryogenic oxygen plants can reduce dependence on imported oxygen and strengthen supply chains.
Capacity Building: Training programs can equip healthcare professionals with the skills to operate and maintain oxygen equipment, ensuring a consistent supply.
Streamlined Processes: Streamlining healthcare delivery processes and fostering collaboration among stakeholders can facilitate the importation and distribution of medical oxygen.
Public-Private Partnerships: These can mobilize resources and expertise to address infrastructure and funding gaps.

By seizing these opportunities we can overcome the challenges of medical oxygen in the South-West region and ensure that every patient receives the care they need.

Conclusion

Medical oxygen is a critical component of healthcare, and Nigeria faces significant challenges in accessing this essential resource. By understanding the medical use of oxygen, oxygen therapy, equipment, clinical guidelines and medical oxygen concentrations, we can develop strategies to improve access to medical oxygen and enhance patient care in Nigeria.