Generous donations from the community have enabled Polipharm to purchase an additional oxygen machine, in preparation for the imminent third wave of COVID-19 infections.
“At the start of the pandemic, I had a feeling that we would need oxygen, which led me to purchase two oxygen concentrators and one tank.
“With the first wave of infections, Polipharm served the community by providing them with oxygen when they were unable to access it elsewhere. Numerous lives were saved by having access to oxygen during this time,” said Louis van Dyk, owner of Polipharm pharmacy.
“During the second wave, however, we were unable to supply the increased demand for oxygen, as supplies were running low at all healthcare facilities and the demand had drastically increased.
“During this time, I was able to purchase four additional machines and three tanks, but there was such a demand for patients needing oxygen at home, that this was simply insufficient.”
Former resident of Jeffreys Bay, Maxie Heppel, started a Back-A-Buddy fund to facilitate the purchasing of yet another oxygen machine to help her community during these desperate times.
“Our community made wonderful contributions towards this fund and patients who received treatment made regular donations, as we provide this (oxygen) service free of charge to those in need,” said Van Dyk.
“Through the generous donations of the Kouga community, around R20 000 was raised and another machine could be bought. This machine arrived last week and is ready to fight off the third wave when it hits.”
Van Dyk said he would like to thank each member of the community for the contributions they made towards this cause during the pandemic.
“Many lives were saved because of the generosity of many of our patients.
“There are too many to mention everyone by name, but we, as well as everyone who has benefited from this service, are so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community that supports each other,” said Van Dyk.
