KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 19
The World Health Organization (WHO) has handed over two medical gas analyzers to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), marking a milestone in advancing Nepal's National Oxygen Roadmap.
According to the Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC), the handover took place on February 16, to strengthen oxygen quality assurance systems across health facilities.
The COVID-19 pandemic had exposed critical gaps in oxygen availability and quality control mechanisms nationwide. Health authorities stated that ensuring medical oxygen, whether supplied through cylinders, concentrators or Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants, meets international standards is essential for patient safety, particularly in intensive care, neonatal services, emergency response and surgical procedures.
Currently, many health facilities lack standardized tools to routinely verify oxygen quality and detect contaminants. In the absence of systematic monitoring, there remains a risk of substandard medical gas being used for clinical care.
The newly provided analyzers will enable measurement of key parameters including oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), water vapor and oil mist. These indicators are aligned with WHO's Oxygen Monograph requirements and international pharmacopeia standards, according to the center.
HEOC stated that the equipment will support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance institutional capacity for oxygen quality verification across the country.
In addition, WHO has supported three complete sets of the Interagency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK), comprising 30 Basic Units and three Supplementary Units. One complete set is designed to serve a population of 10,000 people for up to three months during emergencies, reinforcing Nepal's preparedness and response capability.