Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 18) — The Department of Trade and Industry is urging the public not to stock up on medical oxygen, especially if not needed, as it assures that the country’s supply is enough to meet the demand amid the ongoing COVID-19 surge.
“We want to assure the public that we have sufficient supply… Ang production natin kayang-kaya po natin tapatan itong surge na ‘to [Our production is enough to address the needs this surge],” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon on Wednesday.
Castelo said major manufacturers in the country are able to produce around 700 metric tons a day, which she noted is more than the current consumption nationwide.
However, while there is no issue with the production of the medical oxygen itself, she said it may be a different story for the cylinder tanks or the containers.
To help ensure there’ll be no problems with the tank supply, Castelo urged hospitals to immediately bring to refilling stations those that had already been emptied. She said it is ideal if facilities are able to return the containers four or five days after the contents are used up, so more patients would be able to benefit from them.
Meanwhile, Castelo reminded the public that the Department of Health said buying medical oxygen should be prescribed by doctors.
“[If] we do not need it, hindi rin po natin alam unless medical professional tayo kung papaano siya i-administer, at kung wala rin pong prescription, ilagay nalang natin sa merkado,” she said. “Paikutin natin, mag-circulate siya, para po nakakabalik agad, especially nagagamit ng talagang may kailangan.”
[Translation: If we do not need them, if we do not know how to use them unless we’re medical professionals, and if we don’t have a prescription, let’s just not buy the oxygen. Let them circulate in the market so the tanks get recycled immediately and used by those really in need.]
She also warned that under the law, individuals making excessive profits out of medical oxygen or hoarding them to resell at a higher price may be slapped with a fine of up to ₱2 million or may be imprisoned for of up to 15 years.
The official said the DOH’s suggested retail price for a 5-lbs oxygen tank is from ₱2,465 to ₱3,400. For a 15-lbs tank, she said the price range is from ₱4,030 to ₱5,500.
The DTI continues to monitor the market to avoid overpricing, Castelo said.
