Success Stories
Transforming Healthcare in Underserved Regions: Mauritania and Djibouti
At KBM Engineering, we believe that access to medical oxygen is a cornerstone of quality healthcare. This belief was at the heart of our recent project in Mauritania and Djibouti, where we tackled critical oxygen supply shortages in regional hospitals. These underserved communities faced severe challenges, including frequent oxygen supply interruptions, high costs due to imported cylinders, and logistical delays that put patient care at risk.
The Challenge
In Mauritania, hospitals struggled to adapt to the high desert climate, while in Djibouti, logistical hurdles related to port-based transport and customs clearance added layers of complexity. These challenges, combined with a heavy reliance on imported oxygen cylinders, resulted in unreliable healthcare delivery, particularly for emergency and critical care patients.
The Solution
We introduced tailored PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) oxygen plants, designed to produce medical-grade oxygen on-site. These systems were customized to address the unique challenges of each region, including energy efficiency and adaptability to harsh environments. Our approach included:
- Conducting detailed site surveys to design climate-resilient systems.
- Training local technicians for long-term maintenance and sustainability.
- Installing modular, scalable systems equipped with remote monitoring for uninterrupted operation.
The project, from planning to commissioning, was completed within six months, marking a significant step toward sustainable healthcare delivery in these regions.
The Impact
The results were transformative. Hospitals reported a 90% reduction in oxygen supply interruptions and a 50% decrease in procurement costs, allowing them to allocate resources to other critical areas of patient care. Capacity for emergency and critical treatments improved significantly, with patients benefiting from uninterrupted access to life-saving oxygen.
Beyond the numbers, the project fostered local empowerment. Technicians trained during the implementation process are now equipped to manage the systems independently, ensuring long-term reliability and sustainability.
One hospital director in Mauritania shared: “The system has transformed our ability to provide critical care, especially for emergency patients. We no longer fear running out of oxygen at crucial moments.”
Looking Ahead
This project reinforced the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders and the need for innovative, tailored solutions. Moving forward, KBM Engineering is exploring the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered backups, to further enhance sustainability in similar regions. For us this project embodies our mission to empower healthcare providers with sustainable, life-saving solutions. By reducing costs, improving care, and creating local expertise, we’re not just solving immediate problems – we’re building stronger healthcare systems for the future.
Building Resilient Healthcare Systems in Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan
In some of the most underserved regions of the world, access to medical oxygen can be the difference between life and death. Recognizing this urgent need, KBM Engineering undertook a transformative project to design, install, and maintain PSA oxygen plants and medical gas networks for hospitals across Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. The initiative aimed to overcome logistical barriers and provide a sustainable, reliable source of oxygen for critical care.
The Challenge
To address the critical oxygen shortages in these regions, the team designed and installed PSA oxygen generation systems capable of producing medical-grade oxygen directly on-site. These systems were chosen for their robustness and energy efficiency, making them well-suited for the demanding conditions and fluctuating needs of the hospitals. Advanced filtration and monitoring features were incorporated to ensure consistent performance and reliability, even in challenging environments.
Before implementation, careful site assessments were conducted to evaluate the existing infrastructure, energy availability, and anticipated oxygen demand. This analysis allowed the systems to be seamlessly integrated into the facilities with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Recognizing the importance of sustainability, local engineers and healthcare staff were trained to operate and maintain the systems. This approach not only ensured long-term functionality but also created valuable employment opportunities, strengthening the local healthcare ecosystem and empowering the community to manage their resources independently.
The Solution
To effectively address the oxygen shortages, a thorough analysis of the local context was conducted. The team examined key factors, including the infrastructure available at each facility, the anticipated oxygen demand for emergency and intensive care units, and the challenges posed by remote locations and harsh climates. Energy reliability, logistical constraints, and long-term maintenance feasibility were also critical considerations.
After evaluating these parameters, PSA oxygen generation systems emerged as the most suitable solution. These systems were selected for their ability to produce medical-grade oxygen directly on-site, eliminating dependency on external cylinder deliveries that were unreliable and expensive. Their robust design and energy efficiency made them particularly effective for the demanding conditions in Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
The implementation process involved customizing each system to fit the specific needs of the hospitals. Advanced monitoring tools were integrated to ensure real-time diagnostics and uninterrupted performance, while modular scalability allowed for future expansion as patient demand increased. By training local engineers and healthcare staff to operate and maintain the systems, the solution was designed not only to address immediate needs but also to ensure long-term sustainability and community empowerment.
The Impact
The results were remarkable:
- 80% reduction in oxygen supply costs for hospitals, freeing up resources for other critical healthcare needs.
- 100% reliability in oxygen availability, ensuring uninterrupted care for patients in need of life-saving respiratory support, emergency treatment, and surgeries.
- Enhanced healthcare delivery capacity, allowing hospitals to treat more critical cases and significantly reduce patient transfers due to oxygen shortages.
One hospital director in Ethiopia shared, “Thanks to the on-site oxygen generation, we can treat patients with critical respiratory conditions without worrying about supply interruptions. KBM Engineering’s solution has been a game-changer for us.”
An unexpected yet powerful outcome was the local capacity-building element. By training local technicians, we ensured that the systems remained operational long after the project was completed, fostering long-term impact in these regions.
Looking Ahead
The success of this project has reinforced our commitment to empowering healthcare providers with innovative, sustainable solutions. In regions where access to medical oxygen was once a distant dream, we’ve built systems that deliver immediate care while fostering resilience and self-reliance for the future. Building on this success, KBM is exploring renewable energy integration, such as solar-powered backups, to further enhance sustainability and scalability. By continually improving our solutions, we aim to extend our impact and help even more underserved communities thrive.