Health workers in Nairobi receive training on oxygen safety and administration

Health workers in Nairobi have completed an in-depth training on oxygen safety protocols and administration techniques, in an initiative organized by Hewatele to improve patient safety and elevate healthcare standards across the region.

The programme, part of a nationwide series, is designed to equip medical staff with essential skills in safe and effective oxygen therapy for patients in need.

With respiratory conditions on the rise, oxygen therapy has become a critical component of patient care. The training covered the correct use of oxygen delivery systems, indications for treatment, and management of potential complications.

Dr. Zulfiqar Wali, CEO of Hewatele, highlighted the programme's importance, noting that: “Incorrect cylinder handling and oxygen administration can lead to severe patient complications. Our goal is to provide healthcare workers with the expertise to administer oxygen safely and effectively.”

The sessions featured hands-on demonstrations of various oxygen delivery methods, transportation and storage of cylinders, and techniques for assessing the most suitable oxygen therapy based on patient requirements.

Dr. Tom Menge, Head of Directorate Health Products and Technology at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating; “As oxygen is recognized as an essential medicine by the WHO, investing in oxygen infrastructure, equipment, and workforce training is paramount to improving service delivery in hospitals.”

Hewatele recently began construction of a new liquid oxygen manufacturing plant at the Tatu Special Economic Zone, funded by partners including the United States Development Finance Corporation, the government of Finland through Finnfund, Grand Challenges Canada, the Soros Economic Development Fund, and UBS Optimus Foundation.

Set to be operational by Q2 of 2025, the $20 million (approx. Ksh.2.5 billion) facility will have a production capacity of 20 tonnes of medical oxygen daily, aiming to supply over 300 healthcare facilities across East Africa.

The training is part of Hewatele’s broader commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the region, with plans for ongoing refresher courses to ensure staff maintain up-to-date best practices in oxygen therapy.