By Neo Kolane
Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro says the government has managed to procure enough oxygen supplies to ensure the country never experiences any shortage of the gas in the foreseeable future.
Announcing a relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions on Tuesday evening, Majoro said gave a reassurance that the availability of oxygen and recovery of patients in health facilities have significantly improved, although there are still high death cases.
“Last week the public was worried, rightfully so, about oxygen supply situation in hospitals. This has emerged as a critical problem not only affecting Lesotho, but the region as a whole.
“Government meets daily to assess the oxygen situation in hospitals and I can confirm that the supply situation will be stabilized this week. In the meantime, government is working with suppliers daily to minimize any shortages in health facilities,” he said.
The National Covid-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC) risk communication manager, Baroane Phenethi told this publication that the government has procured 541 cylinders that will be distributed accordingly.
Phenethi also said that the government is still negotiating a contract with oxygen vendors to deliver in line with the demand.