Kyrgyzstan Opens Onsite Oxygen Station

Why this is here: The new station in Nookat can produce approximately 1,200 cubic meters of medical oxygen each day, aiming to reduce reliance on more expensive, uncertified suppliers.

UNDP in Kyrgyzstan reports a new medical oxygen production station now operates at the territorial hospital in Nookat district, Osh region. The project addresses oxygen shortages revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in remote areas of the country. UNDP partnered with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health and received funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria to complete the work.

The German-assembled station extracts oxygen from the air and fills cylinders. It produces roughly 1,200 cubic meters of oxygen daily. Hospital administrators expect a cylinder will cost about 100 soms, less than the 250 soms charged by uncertified suppliers.

The station will become property of the Kyrgyz state. Authorities plan to create a sustainable operation plan involving the hospital and local administrations. The long-term financial viability of the station remains to be seen as the plan develops.