Karonga District Hospital’s oxygen gas plant has become operational following successful final testing conducted on Monday, a development expected to improve the availability of medical oxygen and strengthen healthcare service delivery in the district.
Director of Health Services for Karonga District Health Office, David Sibale, confirmed on Wednesday that the plant is now producing high quality medical oxygen after the completion of the testing process.
“During the exercise, 20 oxygen cylinders were filled within three hours, demonstrating the plant’s production capacity. Some of the cylinders have since been distributed to various wards at the hospital to enhance patient care,” said Sibale.
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He said the plant’s capacity is expected to improve further once the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi upgrades the power supply to 400 KVA.
“Once the power supply is upgraded, the plant will consistently be able to fill up to 20 cylinders every three hours. In addition to filling cylinders, the plant will also supply piped oxygen directly to hospital wards,” he said.
Sibale described the facility as a major milestone for the district, noting that the hospital previously relied on oxygen supplies transported from other districts.
“This oxygen plant is a huge milestone for Karonga District. We have been facing challenges in the past when oxygen had to be sourced from other districts. Now we are assured of a steady and reliable supply which will greatly improve the quality of care we provide, especially for critically ill patients,” he said.
He added that the plant will also benefit neighbouring districts in the Northern Region, including Chitipa, by reducing the time and cost associated with transporting oxygen cylinders.
Administrator for Karonga District Hospital, Devilliers Mwale, welcomed the development, saying the facility will help prevent delays that previously affected patients requiring urgent oxygen support.
“In the past, when oxygen ran out, patients had to wait as cylinders were being sourced from Lilongwe. This plant will save lives here in Karonga,” Mwale said.
The oxygen plant project was funded by KfW Development Bank at a cost of approximately US$1,846,000. The support covered procurement of machinery, construction of the plant building, a delivery lorry and training of selected hospital staff.