Maintaining oxygen supply in hospitals treating coronavirus disease 2019 cases

Abstract

The role of oxygen therapy in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases is extremely crucial and all steps should be taken to ensure its availability in adequate amount in all the health care establishments treating the patients. The clinical data obtained from China revealed that out of the overall reported cases, 15% severe cases and 5% critically ill patients will require oxygen therapy. Moreover, it is essential to estimate the requirement of oxygen in the hospital and it can be done by using the essential supply forecast tool. In conclusion, in order to improve the treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients, it is crucial to ensure the supply of high quality medical-grade oxygen to the severe and critically-ill group of patients. In addition, the hospitals should prepare for improving the oxygen surge capacity to meet the needs of sudden rise in the number of cases.