Sole distributors of medical oxygen in Jamaica IGL Limited says it continues to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health to ensure that Jamaica’s public health facilities are supplied to treat patients requiring the product, especially those hospitalised as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

In an about-face on Thursday (September 2), IGL noted that the partnership includes the sourcing and delivery to Jamaica of medical oxygen from a range of sources including supplies from the local oxygen-producing plant as well as the leveraging of IGL and Government relationships to keep the hospitals serviced.

IGL confirmed that the issues that affected the supply during the weekend of August 29, were due to the disruption in the supply chain caused by increased demand in source markets and the declaration of force majeure by a company that has a long-standing supply arrangement with IGL.

IGL made a second statement yesterday in light of the strong rebuke published by the ministry after its ‘stunning’ claims about the Government’s failure to communicate its needs to the company.

Another shipment of medical oxygen arrived in Jamaica on Thursday afternoon, but IGL remains concerned about the rapid growth in demand for the life-saving commodity.

Even with the best efforts of all concerned, regularity of imports remains a risk given global supply chain disruptions.

IGL encourages Jamaicans to take all precautions against being infected with COVID-19.

Related articles:

• IGL responds to Gov’t comments about oxygen crisis
• ‘Not our fault’: Health Ministry rejects ‘stunning’ claims by IGL on recent oxygen crisis