Andina

Peru: Health Min says oxygen being imported from Chile to arrive this weekend

Photo: ANDINA/Minsa

Photo: ANDINA/Minsa

14:31 | Lima, Feb. 22.

Health Minister Oscar Ugarte on Monday announced that the first batch of 40 tons of medical oxygen —imported from Chile— will arrive in Peru this weekend, noting that said supply will be repeated every week.

According to Ugarte, the import of oxygen —which will continue in the coming three to four months— will help reduce the oxygen deficit in the country.

"I am able to report that the first shipment of oxygen imported from Chile will arrive this weekend. It contains 40 tons of oxygen. This involves more than one shipment. In fact, 40 tons will be shipped every week," he emphasized.

The government official explained that oxygen will be distributed based on the demand's priorities at the national level.

At this moment, the peak in demand is on the central coast (Lima, Callao, Ica) as well as in central highlands (Huanuco, Cerro de Pasco, Junin, Huancavelica, among other regions).

"We must focus on these regions as a priority, but it does not mean that other oxygen-related strategies cannot be implemented at the national level," he pointed out.

The minister disclosed that the Executive Branch is looking at another option to enhance medical oxygen supply in the country, whose details will be announced in the coming days.

Remarks were made during a joint session of Congressional Commissions on Foreign Trade and Foreign Affairs.

(END) FHG/CVC/RMB


Publicado: 22/2/2021