Sri Lanka has commenced the importation of oxygen as a solution for the depleting oxygen reserves of the country.
Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said demand for oxygen has increased due to the rapid spread of the Delta Variant.
Stating that there is a possibility that other countries may also run out of oxygen, he said Sri Lanka cannot fully rely on importing oxygen.
Dr. Herath said however, all the major hospitals in Sri Lanka have been equipped with their own oxygen production machine.
Pointing out that the entire health system cannot continue to rely on oxygen, he emphasized on the importance of ensuring that everyone abides with health regulations.
The Deputy Director-General of Health Services added that it was the responsibility of the public to lower the number of cases and deaths.
Meanwhile, Director of the Allergy, Immunity and Cell Biology Unit at the Sri Jayewardenepura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said that the policies must be based on prioritizing between food and oxygen.
“The question we will have tomorrow, is if we will die without food or die without oxygen? We do not die without food. A person who can afford it will give us food. But we cannot survive without oxygen. We have to make new decisions and move forward,” he said.
Dr. Jeewandara further warned that the effects of the Delta variant of the coronavirus will be severe in the coming two weeks. (NewsWire)