The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has issued an alert to the public on recent complaints received on under-dispensing of oxygen and other medical gases by plant owners in some parts of the country.
A statement from the office of the Director -General, Mallam Farouk Salim described oxygen as a critical product in the treatment of respiratory ailments in emergency situations, particularly in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It further indicated that its use by certified medical personnel “is strictly in recommended volumes and dosages for effectiveness in the treatment of respiratory ailments.”
The SON boss added that the inadequacy in volume and dosage of oxygen and other medical gases had been reported to have consequences on the treatment of patients in the country resulting in loss of lives in some cases.
He therefore warned gas plants across the country to ensure accurate volume in the sale of oxygen and other medical gases to customers as a matter of responsibility.
Mallam Salim urged health institutions and practitioners to carefully and regularly check the pressure of oxygen and other medical gas cylinders for strict compliance with labelled specifications.
He disclosed that SON Offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory have been directed to ensure close monitoring and strict compliance with standards of volume in the sale of oxygen and other medical gases to customers by gas plants.
The SON Director-General warned that any gas plant or dealer found to be under-dispensing oxygen or other medical gases would be made to face the full weight of the law as enshrined in the SON Act No. 14 of 2015.
