People Are Hoarding Unprescribed Oxygen Tanks. Here's Why That's Not the Best Idea
The pandemic has made one thing apparent: when the going gets tough, the tough get... hoarding—at least those who can afford it. It's understandable as we're all in survival mode, and we can't really count on others to help us with hospitals full. But is stockpiling rational?
The verdict is still out on that. But, the hoarding has gone beyond just toilet paper, face masks, and hand sanitizers. Thanks to viral Facebook posts and Viber chain messages, Filipinos have set their sights on Ivermectin and oxygen tanks.
More: What Is Ivermectin and Can It Cure COVID-19?
The Department of Health has already sent out a statement to the public on the unprescribed at-home use of oxygen tanks. Not only can it be harmful, but it could lead to a shortage for hospitals and healthcare facilities.
"For example, you are not sick and you don’t have any respiratory difficulties, difficulty in breathing and all, baka makasama pa ito sa inyo kesa makakabuti kasi too much oxygen that we take when we are at that normal or stable condition might also affect our breathing process and other activities," says Department of Health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
She adds, "We encourage at nakikiusap po kami sa ating suppliers na ito pong pagbebenta natin at pagpapahiram ng oxygen tanks natin ay ma-regulate natin na ang talagang kumukuha sa inyo ay hospital facilities lang muna natin."
