By Ephraim Ngwira

Karonga, October 16, Mana: Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for Karonga District, David Sibale has hailed installation of an oxygen plant project which has commenced at Karonga District Hospital, observing it will alleviate difficulties in accessing oxygen supplies in the district.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, Sibale highlighted the significance of the U$1.846 million project in reducing transport costs and long-distance travel to Lilongwe for oxygen.

Sibale said: “The new plant will not only benefit Karonga but also surrounding districts facing similar challenges.

 “This development marks a major step forward in improving healthcare access in the northern region.”

He emphasized the importance of the plant in supporting emergency responses, particularly for patients requiring oxygen therapy.

"With the rising demand for oxygen due to respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, the facility is expected to ease the burden on hospitals and provide timely treatment for critical patients.

“We currently rely on a single facility, Nkhoma Mission Hospital, for oxygen supplies, regardless of whether we face an emergency. Only Lilongwe has a functioning oxygen plant near us,” he added.

Health activist, Maziko Matemba praised the project as a milestone for the fast-growing district, noting that it was long overdue.

 "Karonga is expanding rapidly, and it was not sustainable for the population to rely on distant hospitals for oxygen," Matemba said.

He further advocated for the installation of oxygen plants in all district hospitals to better prepare for future pandemics, ensuring that no region remains overly dependent on a single hospital for vital oxygen supplies.