For many patients struggling to respire, especially during emergencies, medical oxygen can alleviate the struggle between life and death. But behind every tank of oxygen is a complex system of production, storage, and distribution that most people never see. Now, a new directive is stepping in to make sure that what patients receive is safe, clean, and effective.
The directive approved by the ministry of Justice on Thursday comprised a set of rules designed to regulate how medical gases, like oxygen, are made and handled in Ethiopia. The objective of the directive is intended to support the implementation of appropriate standards in the production, quality control, storage, and distribution of medical gases; thereby ensuring patients receive high-quality medical gases.
It was noted that there is a high demand for the production of medical gases, especially oxygen, and a corresponding need to ensure that these products meet the necessary quality standards. It was also emphasized that medical gases may look simple, but if not produced properly, they can contain dangerous contaminants. This directive is about making sure every patient receives safe, high-quality treatment.
The new directive lays out strict standards for everything from the machines used to produce gases to the way they’re stored and transported. It’s especially important now, as demand for oxygen continues to grow in hospitals and clinics nationwide.
The move is projected to hold manufacturers accountable, improve quality control, and prevent health complications caused by substandard gases.