2026-10-08T21:23:06Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/34012962 2026-09-30T20:39:12Z category_27109 portal_12 item_type_1 month_year_09_2026

Shanjivan Padarath: Destination: Unknown Shanjivan Padarath (16637706) Health systems home oxygen biomedical health systems infrastructure emerging economies <p dir="ltr">A parade of faulty oxygen concentrators sits patiently, lined up along the corridors of a health office in Fiji. The availability of safe and appropriate biomedical equipment is integral to delivery of healthcare services such as home oxygen therapy. When serviced and repaired on time, oxygen concentrators produce an almost unlimited medical grade oxygen, instantly. In emerging nations, they are essential, as they are cheaper to use than oxygen cylinders alone. However, emerging nations have many competing needs, and limited resources. Sometimes, lesser needs fall off the agenda. For the last 18 months, nine lifesaving machines sat idle, awaiting spare parts. For the last 18 months, at least nine patients needing medical oxygen may have gone without. For the last 18 months, the equipment has become a liability rather than an asset. Without proper healthcare investment, there is a risk the parade may be destined for the electronic junk yard.</p> 2026-09-30T20:39:12Z Image Figure 10.17608/k6.auckland.34012962.v2 https://figshare.com/articles/figure/Destination_Unknown/34012962 CC BY 4.0