The Wayrachi: extraordinary news | by Jesus Martinez Mogrovejo

Publicado el
21 February 2021

In the midst of all the misfortune that it means to have to face this pandemic in Peru with such a fragile health system (product of disinterest in public health for decades); there is, nevertheless some good news that encourages us and makes us keep the faith. One of those encouraging news is called Wayrachi, after its name in Quechua, which in English means "the one who gives air.”

It is a high-flow oxygen regulator that has become essential for physicians in internal medicine and pulmonology services. In effect, this low-cost device prices about of 900 USD and manufactures right here in Peru. Since August, this device has been saving lives of many people from serious complications of Covid; and whose do not get a bed in ICU.

It is a procedure for people with severe breathing difficulties and an opportunity to avoid ending up into invasive mechanical ventilation. As this last instance is very limited and scarce not only because of the low number of beds in proportion to the sick population; but also requires highly specialized personnel which we lack in Peru.

Faced shortage of beds in ICU for patients with severe respiratory failure caused by Covid; Germán Málaga MD, from the Cayetano Heredia University and founding member of Médicos Solidarios, decided with courage to use Wayrachis in his patients, which represented a highly effective alternative as they have the capacity to supply up to 100 liters of oxygen per minute, an amount almost 7 times higher than that distributed from the best performing oxygen tanks, that is, 15 liters.

This option has been a great opportunity to save lives of patients who saturate less than 90%, and avoiding making an extra effort at breathing. About 50% of these people have a favorable recovery (and in some cases the necessary oxygen level has been restored in 48 hours). The only condition to make a Wayrachi works properly is if the hospital or health center has sufficient oxygen flow, which can be provided by an oxygen plant and recessed oxygen connections.

As we mentioned above, these relatively easy-to-make devices are produced in our country by the Wayrachi Association; following the design of the University College of London. Thanks to the donation made by private entities, members of public institutions and even families and individuals; many hospitals now have the effective alternative of the Wayrachis and there are already more than 250 manufactured so far.

Medicos Solidarios Arequipa was able to donate 12 Wayrachis to the Hospital Regional Honorio Delgado de Arequipa, Hospital Covid; but it is still not enough. We have to continue acquiring these simple devices that are improving the care of our patients and saving lives. That is the reason we need you; every donation, no matter how small is, it is valuable and important.

Little by little we can do great things to overcome the challenge posed by this pandemic. However, we cannot wait. The time to help is now. What you do for other people today, you are doing for yourself and your own family tomorrow.

For more information about donations, click in the following link:
https://www.medicos-solidarios-arequipa.com/es/donar.html
https://www.facebook.com/112044473803041/posts/243079937366160/?sfnsn=scwspmo

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