Karonga District Hospital’s oxygen plant has become operational following successful final testing conducted on Monday.
The district’s director of health services David Sibale said the plant is now producing high quality medical oxygen.
“During the test, 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,” he said.
Hospital. I George Mponda
Sibale said the plant’s capacity is expected to improve further once the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom)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 them, it 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.
“Now we are assured of a steady and reliable supply which will improve the quality of care we provide, especially for critically ill patients,” he said.
Sibale said the plant will also benefit neighbouring districts, including Chitipa.
The hospital’s administrator Devilliers Mwale said the facility will also 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,” he said.
KfW Development Bank funded the project at a cost of $1.8
