Field trial of oxygen concentrators in upper Egypt.

Technical problems in developing countries often require more than just technological solutions. Many small hospitals in rural areas are without a reliable oxygen supply; small oxygen concentrators offer a solution, but simply sending out machines is ineffective. This account details the setting up and first year's operation of a project to test oxygen concentrations in a developing country. A co-ordinated strategy has been developed to include machines, supplies, education, training, and feedback. Initial results are encouraging, and support the idea that suitably installed and maintained concentrations can have a valuable role in bringing oxygen therapy to patients and hospitals in countries which have so far been denied it.