The Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) in Capiz is experiencing a shortage in medical oxygen supply, the management disclosed amid the spiraling COVID-19 cases in the province.

In a statement, the hospital management attributed the shortage to lack of funds and tight nationwide supply.

RMPH uses 120 to 130 oxygen tanks per day for its high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) devices, which are being used to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients.  

According to the management, bulk of the medical oxygen tanks has been earmarked for Iloilo.

RMPH reached its full capacity for COVID-19 patients on Monday, Sept. 13, and it is mulling a “time-out” to give its already exhausted health workers a short breather.

“The alarming rate of new COVID-19 patients that require admission has stretched the capacity of the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital to cater to new patients,” the management said.

“The hospital cannot admit more patients without compromising the level of care that it gives to its patients and overwhelming its staff and personnel,” it emphasized.

As of Sept. 13, the Department of Health (DOH-6) recorded 955 active cases of COVID-19 in Capiz, which is currently under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.IMT