While there is surging demand for oxygen amid unrelenting covid-19 cases, requirement for BiPap machines in hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir has risen sharply.
However, reports from most of the hospitals across J-K indicate lack of adequate number of the BiPap machines which are easily operated and help a patient, mainly with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), to breathe.
A doctor at GMC Jammu told GNS that faculty was finding it hard to handle large number patients with “highly inadequate” number of BiPap machines.
“We need many more such machines as demand is only rising,” said the doctor.
Regarding the mechanism of such machines, the doctor said: “It is a simple machine. When using it, a person takes in pressurized air through a mask to regulate breathing pattern while asleep or when symptoms flare.”
It is highly useful in covid-19 patients, the doctor added.
A number of doctors in several hospitals of Kashmir also expressed concern regarding the “inadequate” number of BiPap machines.
“The situation thrown by the covid-19 is such that you need to have adequate wherewithal to save lives. Bipap machines are important in contemporary times and as such the government must ensure sufficient availability,” said a senior doctor at one of the exclusive facilities for the management of the covid-19. Despite several attempts, no senior functionary from Health department could be contacted for comment. (GNS)
