Worries about ‘devastating’ impact of loadshedding on Covid patients

Load-shedding could actually cost lives.

This was the opinion of a medical care worker in Pretoria, who said that in-home patients with respiratory illnesses, such as Covid-19, were dependent on oxygen machines that run on electricity.

“We are talking about people’s lives here,” said the health worker who wanted to remain anonymous.

“Most of the patients that I take care of are pensioners and cannot afford the oxygen machines that run on batteries.

Johann Kruger, owner of EDNA Medical Distributors, said load-shedding was indeed a problem for patients using “concentrated” oxygen machines.

“Without electricity, these oxygen machines require a backup, like an oxygen cylinder or a battery, which can be very expensive.

EDNA Medical Distributors is an importer and wholesale supplier of patient care products to the state and private sector as well as to the general public. They also provide oxygen and oxygen-related products to patients.

“We do rent out oxygen cylinders, but are booked to full capacity,” said Kruger.

He said the demand for oxygen cylinders far outweighed the supply.

“We are waiting in anticipation for more cylinders, but at this stage, the situation is quite dire.”