There has been an unprecedented increase in global demand for medical oxygen equipment to solve the acute oxygen shortages caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study aims to assess the value of improved access and use of Oxygen Concentrators (OCs) and cylinders during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. This evaluation is relevant to strengthening health systems in many resource-constrained Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) settings.

This article presents findings from assessing the utility and barriers to access and use of OCs and cylinders in the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian setting during a global emergency. The analysis focuses on short-term and long-term outcomes to explore how donated medical equipment such as oxygenation devices can be used and maintained effectively to achieve a longer life. Such an evaluation is essential to make policy-level changes that can help strengthen the health system to tackle and prevent similar crises in the future in resource-constrained LMIC settings.