Despite being essential for survival, over five billion people worldwide lack access to safe and affordable medical oxygen , according to a Lancet Global Health study. The report highlights stark inequalities in oxygen distribution, with 374 million people requiring it annually, primarily for acute medical and surgical procedures. Of these, 306 million reside in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where only 30% of surgical oxygen needs are met. South Asia is the second-worst affected region, with only 22% of its 32 million people in need receiving an adequate supply.
The crisis stems from a lack of oxygen services in medical facilities, insufficient pulse oximetry testing, and high production costs. Bridging this gap requires $6.8 billion annually until 2030, with South Asia alone needing $2 billion. Despite its medical use since 1885, WHO only added oxygen to its Essential…
