Medical oxygen should not be a luxury – we’re trying to develop a cheaper way to produce it.

[2greys]

People might once have considered oxygen a human right. But the pandemic has revealed that access to oxygen – in a pure form, for medical use – is a luxury in most low and middle-income countries.

Getting access to pure oxygen for medical treatments is a complicated, expensive and often very dangerous business. The current situation in India is a harsh reminder of this issue. The second wave of COVID-19 has hit the country hard, the total number of deaths has just passed the 200,000 mark. Oxygen is in short supply.

Because of the current emergency, Indian citizens have turned to the black market to purchase oxygen way above its regular price.

This has happened partly due to the way oxygen is produced, stored and transported around the world. That’s why scientists like me are working to find a cheaper alternative.

theconversation.com/medical...

[Alberta56]

May the scientists' efforts be blessed with early success.

[Ergendl]

So sorry that it's had to take this pandemic for finance and research to be directed into this vital area.

[BronchyBronwen]

Interesting interview with Gordon Brown on Radio 4 this morning where he gave the detail on ways in which oxygen to India could clearly be funded by richer nations. Worth a listen on iPlayer if you can.

[Bevvy in reply to BronchyBronwen]

What annoys me about the situation in India is the country is not just a poor country! There are extremely wealthy people there! They even have a space program!!Unlike most countries India seems to only have 2 classes. Wealthy and extremely poor. No middle class!?

Therefore there IS money in the country but successive governments seem to do nothing to help the majority of people who live in poverty.

[BronchyBronwen]

Sorry, now think the programme was about funding the vaccines for developing countries, rather than oxygen. My error, if so.