Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 9) — President Rodrigo Duterte wants to allow more firms to manufacture medical oxygen in the country, as the government prepares for a possible surge in demand amid an increase in COVID-19 cases.
In his weekly address on Monday night, Duterte said there’s a need to ensure there will be no shortage of medical oxygen, which is essential in treating infected patients.
“The first wave na tumama sa atin, nagkakulang-kulang tayo sa oxygen,” he said. “Kaya itong gumagawa ngayon, bigyan ninyo ng lisensya. ‘Pag tama lang, if everything is in order, bigyan ninyo kaagad.”
[Translation: During the first wave of infections that hit us, we were short on medical oxygen. That’s why those who manufacture them, give them a license. If everything is in order, grant them the license immediately.]
The President added he is considering asking Congress to provide tax relief for the manufacturers for “producing a very vital component in the fight against COVID-19.”
There are a total of 81 registered medical oxygen manufacturers in the country, according to Food and Drug Administration chief Eric Domingo.
Of the number, he said 30 were approved over the past month alone as the agency gears up for an expected increase in hospitalization rates.
“So far po, ‘di naman tayo nakakakita pa ng shortage dito sa ating oxygen supply [we are not yet seeing a shortage in our oxygen supply],” he said.
The Philippines has returned to “high risk” classification for COVID-19 due to the jump in cases. Hospitals are already feeling the spike, with over 200 healthcare facilities nationwide now under critical risk or have an occupancy rate of at least 85%, the latest data from the Health Department showed.
