The Health Ministry has received $439,000 worth of equipment from the World Health Organisation.
Health Minister Dr Iferemi Waqainabete says these supplies were delivered at the request of the Health Ministry and will be used to treat COVID-19 patients while ensuring the safety of front-line medical staff.
Dr Waqainabete says they need to look beyond the current outbreak and these equipment provide an opportunity for their nursing stations and far-flung hospitals and health centres to have access to these equipment, instead of waiting for oxygen cylinders to be delivered.
He adds they are also in discussions with the World Health Organisation about bringing in an oxygen plant which will be here soon and will be placed at the CWM Hospital.
WHO’s acting Representative to the South Pacific, Dr Akeem Ali says the equipment will be valuable in the current situation.
The equipment comprises of 75 oxygen concentrators and accessories, 1000 pulse oximeters, 100,000 gowns and 100,000 N95 masks from WHO’s Regional emergency stockpile.
