Oxygen production systems in hospitals are efficient, safe, and are the future of medical gas delivery. Oxygen is one of the most fundamental building blocks of modern healthcare. In intensive care units, operating theatres, emergency departments or general wards, critically ill patients need a steady, continuous supply of high-purity oxygen. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear how closely patient safety is linked to the quality and reliability of oxygen systems. In severe respiratory diseases, even a brief decrease in oxygen supply can be life-threatening.
Traditional supply through VIE tanks or cylinders reaches its limits in crisis situations or when demand is high. Transport routes, storage capacity and regular replenishment pose risks. In addition, hospitals in remote areas facing supply shortages need alternative methods to guarantee continuity of supply. This is where oxygen generation system technology comes in to help. It allows for a continuous, controlled, and flexible supply that operates independently of supply chains while ensuring the purity and safety of medical oxygen.
Cost reduction
But there is also something very important. The purchase and storage of oxygen in tanks is particularly expensive. The production of oxygen by special systems reduces costs by more than half and thus saves resources for health. In the National Health System of Greece, tens of millions could be saved by installing oxygen production systems in all hospitals and these resources could be directed to other needs, such as filling doctors' positions, which is so much needed.
The benefits
The benefits of modern oxygen generation systems are far-reaching, spanning both medical and economic aspects:
Cost Efficiency: Reduced operational costs by eliminating tank or cylinder rental fees.
Continuous Supply: Independence from supply chains ensures patient care even during times of supply shortages.
High Oxygen Purity: Suitable for all medical applications, from ventilation to anesthesia.
Optimized for Safety: Zero risk from pressure vessels or transporting hazardous materials.
Eco-friendly: No additional CO₂ emissions from deliveries.
Quick Return on Investment (ROI): Investments in systems often pay off on their own within a year.
Scalability and Flexibility: Systems can be tailored to hospital needs without requiring infrastructure expansion.
Especially in crisis situations, pandemics or areas with unstable supply, the added value of this technology becomes clear. Hospitals can care for patients reliably, reduce risks, and save costs in the long run.
Why are oxygen generation systems the future of oxygen delivery?
The answer is given in a study, published in 2024 in the American Journal of Botany and Bioengineering. "Oxygen delivery is not just about convenience but also about safety, as both liquid oxygen cylinders and high-pressure cylinders pose risks. Liquid oxygen is stored in tanks, at very low temperatures, making leaks dangerous and highly flammable, while cylinders hold gas under great pressure and can turn into projectiles if damaged, requiring strict handling and storage. Oxygen generators (systems) solve these problems by producing oxygen on-site at normal temperature and pressure, reducing the risks of leaks, fires, or explosions, while also being efficient, reliable, and cost-saving. That is why more hospitals and clinics are now opting for generators for safer and easier oxygen delivery." According to the study, oxygen systems achieve the following:
1) Efficiency Optimization: As technology evolves, oxygen generators become more efficient, yielding improved oxygen concentration, reduced energy consumption, and increased lifespan.
2) Portable and Lightweight Design: As technology evolves, new lighter and smaller devices are introduced, operating without compromising performance, making them easier to use for patients transport and use in various conditions.
3) Noise Reduction: The noise generated by oxygen generators is not a concern for patients who require continuous oxygen therapy during sleep or in quiet environments. This is because technology is exploring noise reduction techniques, such as the use of sound-absorbing materials and advanced insulation.
4) User-Friendly: Unlike aging oxygen tanks that have large losses, oxygen generation systems are user-friendly with control panels, with visual indicators to easily monitor oxygen levels and operational status, with the implementation of smart features such as remote monitoring and data analysis to assist healthcare professionals in providing better care.
5) Connectivity and Data Analysis: With the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, oxygen systems are designed to be connected to a network, allowing for seamless data collection and analysis. This connectivity enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patient usage, monitor oxygen saturation levels, and provide timely interventions when necessary. Additionally, data analysis could help identify patterns and trends in oxygen therapy, leading to improvements in treatment protocols and personalized patient care.
6) Environmental Impact and Sustainability: The demand for oxygen systems is on the rise, and research into their environmental impact is ongoing. Thanks to this research, systems are built with energy-efficient components, using environmentally friendly materials and implementing recycling and disposal programs to minimize waste and reducing the carbon footprint associated with the manufacture and use of these devices.
7) Clinical Studies: Thanks to the use of these smart systems, studies are carried out on a variety of patient populations to evaluate performance, durability and health outcomes related to the use of oxygen production systems. These studies on the one hand help improve device design, optimize treatment protocols, and guide regulatory decisions to ensure the highest standards of patient care. In this way, researchers can contribute to the continuous improvement and innovation of oxygen production systems, ultimately improving the quality of life of patients who rely on these devices for oxygen therapy.
Examples point to the future
One of the largest companies manufacturing oxygen production systems is Greek, it is G. SAMARAS S.A. based in Thermi, Thessaloniki, a company that exports such systems to 85 countries in the world and already installs such systems in Greece. The company's scientists provided us with data from two hospitals, Venizelio in Crete and Metaxas in Piraeus, where it can be seen how much savings and cost limitation are being made. In Venizelio in less than a year of operation of the system there is a benefit of 117,573 euros and in Metaxas in about 4.5 years of operation the benefit will be 346,213 euros. On average, the savings for each hospital amount to about 100,000 euros per year. There are 128 public hospitals throughout the country and 201 health centers according to a survey by "Dianeosis". With a cursory act, the installation of oxygen production systems in only 50 hospitals benefits the National Health System with 5 million euros. According to the budget for 2026, personnel costs are reduced in the year 2026 by 24 million euros compared to the estimate of the year 2025.
Essentially, a stagnation in the number of employed NHS staff is predicted. So, with the use of oxygen production systems, this is a way to find resources to recruit doctors, where there are none. In the private sector, private hospitals buy and install such systems, since their operation is related to their income and expenses. They know something more. An oxygen production system is currently being installed at the Athens Naval Hospital. At the Ministry of Health, the discussion has already begun to bring the NHS into the world of the future, that is, to install oxygen production systems in hospitals.