FIELD TRIAL OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS IN UPPER EGYPT

Technical problems in developing countries often require more than jus t technological solutions. Many small hospitals in rural areas are wit hout a reliable oxygen supply; small oxygen concentrators offer a solu tion, but simply sending out machines is ineffective. This account det ails the setting up and first year's operation of a project to test ox ygen concentrations in a developing country. A co-ordinated strategy h as been developed to include machines, supplies, education, training, and feedback. Initial results are encouraging, and support the idea th at suitably installed and maintained concentrations can have a valuabl e role in bringing oxygen therapy to patients and hospitals in countri es which have so far been denied it.