RIATF-CAR passes oxygen priority measure

The Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF)-CAR has transmitted a copy to Mayor Benjamin Magalong of resolution no. 93, series of 2021, “Prioritizing the delivery of medical grade oxygen by suppliers, distributors, refillers and retailers to hospitals and other health facilities”, for his information and appropriate action.

It also reiterates the need for a prescription for dispensing medical grade oxygen in accordance with FDA Advisory 2021-2014, “Advise on the Requirement on Prescription on the Sale of Medical Grade Oxygen”.

The measure was approved, October 14,  by the Department of Interior and Local Government-CAR OIC Regional Dir. Araceli San Jose, RIATF chairperson, and Department of Health-CAR Regional Dir. Ruby Constantino, RIATF co-chairperson.

“The current upsurge of Covid-19 cases in the Cordillera Administrative Region led to the increase of admission of cases in hospitals in the region; the high number of moderate to severe Covid-19 cases  being admitted in hospitals has created an increase in the demand for medical grade oxygen,” it states.

The measure claims that the increase in demand led to several hospitals  experiencing supply shortages for medical grade oxygen.

“To ensure that hospitals catering to Covid-19 cases are supplied with much needed oxygen, all medical grade oxygen suppliers, refillers, retailers and distributors in CAR are hereby earnestly requested to prioritize delivery of oxygen to hospitals and other health facilities who are currently urgently in need,” it states.

However, in the regular management committee, Oct. 26, of city officials, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that due to the steady decline of Covid-19  cases in the Summer Capital, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said  the city’s oxygen supply is sufficient and able to meet the demand of patients. — Gaby B. Keith