The Health and Wellness Ministry is rejecting claims made by oxygen supplier IGL limited, that the government failed to respond, to repeated requests for forecasts of requirements for medical oxygen.

The country has been grappling with low oxygen amounts, as the spike in Covid-19 infections has increased the need for oxygen to treat Covid-related complications.

In a release last night (September 1), I-G-L‘s Managing Director noted that, despite not getting a response from the government, about the forecasts of the oxygen needs, IGL has been making efforts to upscale facilities, storage and distribution of oxygen.

In a release this morning (September 2) the Health and Wellness Ministry refuted IGL‘s claims.

The Health Ministry noted, that in anticipation of a third wave of Covid-19 infections, consultations were had with IGL, to ensure health facilities would have sufficient oxygen.

The Ministry said, conversations with the company indicated, that based on its contingency plans, IGL had the ability to supply just over 400,000 cubic meters of oxygen, in the event of the third wave of infections.

The estimation based on IGL supply, was that the country would be able to provide oxygen up to a possible 30 per cent more than last peak in March.

The Ministry added, that 30 per cent above peak demand, would be approximately 1,000 beds occupied for Covid-19.

The Ministry said, this level was also consistent with the ministry’s internal capacity for staffing to support beds assigned to the clinical management of persons affected by Covid-19.