Pulse oximeter sales surge

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 13

With Covid-19 cases spiking in the district and experts advising elderly and people with co-morbidities to check the level of oxygen in their blood, the demand for pulse oximeters has increased manifolds in the city. The pandemic has caused a surge in the use of other at-home diagnostics devices as well.

An oximeter is available in the range of Rs 800-Rs 1,500, depending on manufacturer. Many are placing their orders on online shopping sites as well.

A salesman at a pharmacy near DMCH said the demand of oximeters had increased to a large extent. It is important to stay safe and those at risk of heart and respiratory diseases needed to be extra careful and should not ignore even a mild illness. Once a dip in the oxygen level is registered, the person should contact the doctor instead of self medication, he added.

Sanjay Kumar, working at a medical store, said they were selling 800-1,000 oximeters a month. “People are buying it along with infrared thermometer. The sale of use at-home diagnostic instruments has increased,” he said.