The Ga East Municipal Hospital has run out of oxygen for the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
This is according to Dr. Joseph Oliver-Commey, the acting Director of Ghana’s Infectious Disease Centre.
In an interview with Accra-based Asaase Radio, Dr. Commey explains the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for critical COVID-19 patients as well as the ward for severe cases are filled to capacity and can no longer admit new patients.
In addition to the shortage of oxygen, he said, the hospital has also run out of personnel to cater for new patients.
“The only reason why you can take patients into your ICU is when you have oxygen and adequate staff to handle them. At the moment we are constrained a little by oxygen and it is not only the infectious disease centre, but almost all the ICU centres are also constrained by oxygen including the use of high flow oxygen, very expensive that patients cannot afford,” the doctor lamented.
He added: “We are not saying we can’t look after the patients but the things to use to look after them, the necessary ingredients, the oxygen is a problem.
Dr. Commey advised Ghanaians to adhere strictly to all COVID-19 safety protocols as the government is yet to fully vaccinate all the citizens.
“This is my humble plea to all Ghanaians if you fall sick, and you fall severely ill, the government cannot help you, I would not be able to help you and so is your next door neighbour, so consciously prevent yourself from getting COVID-19,” Dr. Oliver-Commey said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, the Presidential Advisor on Health, has warned that the third wave of COVID-19 is afoot.
According to him, records from the Ghana Health Service indicate an increase in the active, critical and severe cases.
Dr. Asare warns that Ghana would continue to witness an increase in COVID-19 cases if Ghanaians do not adhere strictly to the safety protocols.