Oxygen Access and Affordability in Health Facilities in Kenya

Medical Oxygen can represent a significant cost to hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Contributors to the high cost include logistical challenges in transporting oxygen that also lead to intermittent availability. The high oxygen cost to the patient can limit use or lead to early discharge. Even where oxygen is in government health facilities and hospitals, its high cost often leads to periods of unavailability. Oxygen concentrators are portable devices that remove nitrogen from the air and are able to produce oxygen at concentrations of 85%-95%. Although the use of concentrators could solve the supply chain problems of oxygen cylinders, concentrators come with their own host of challenges. These include the need for a continuous, reliable supply of electricity (often not available in LMICs), a robust system for monitoring, maintenance and repair, and a clinical staff trained in their use.