Vietnam to ensure adequate oxygen supply for COVID-19 patients

The total oxygen production capacity of plants throughout the country is estimated at 851,000 cubic (equivalent to 1,300 tonnes) per day, and capacity can be increased by between 50 and 100%.

In order to ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen for patients of COVID-19 and other diseases, medical oxygen producers are making efforts to protect their production chains and enhance capacity.

In the hotspot of Ho Chi Minh City, the municipal health department has established a special working group to coordinate the transport of COVID-19 patients in serious and critical condition.

It is also responsible for inspecting hospitals’ readiness in receiving severe patients in order to make appropriate adjustments.

The city currently has 38 hospitals and their capacity is almost full, thus as such the working group will help support the transport of patients between hospitals in a quicker and more convenient way.

On July 20 the Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy dispatched 301 volunteer teachers and students to Ho Chi Minh City to help the city cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vice Principal Nguyen Kieu Giang said the sending of a large number of volunteers reflects the institution’s tradition of altruism and that they will strive to assist Ho Chi Minh City in containing the virus.