Oxygen producing plant installed in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): An oxygen generating plant costing more than 40 million afghanis has been installed in southern Helmand province, officials said on Monday.

During the first and second wave of coronavirus in Helmand, the deaths of patients were high due shortage of oxygen in the province.

To meet the oxygen requirement in the province, UNICEF or the United Nations Children's Fund has commissioned an oxygen generator at its own expense. The machinery of this plant has been imported from Turkey in collaboration with UNICEF.

Dr.Mumtaz Ahmad Zirak, financial and administrative director at Helmand Public Health Department, said that the province was in serious need of oxygen as some patients died due to lack of the facility.

He said activation of the new oxygen generator would address the problem of oxygen shortage.

He said the oxygen generating machine could deliver the element to 100 patients at a time and was capable of filling 200 oxygen containers in 24 hours.

Officials at Helmand's public health department say a third wave of coronavirus has reached the province but with lower death toll.

Besides Helmand, UNICEF has also activated similar oxygen generators in Farah, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samangan, Sar-i-Pul, Balkh, Parwan, Paktia and Herat provinces.

Mds/ma