Every month, hundreds of South Africans search Google for a portable oxygen machine at Dischem or Clicks oxygen. It makes sense: when a doctor says you need oxygen at home, the pharmacy is the first place most of us think of. This article explains what the big chains actually stock, and where to get a medical oxygen concentrator or cylinder quickly if you need one.
What Dis-Chem and Clicks stock
At the time of writing, neither Dis-Chem nor Clicks lists oxygen concentrators or medical oxygen cylinders on their online stores. Their health-appliance ranges cover nebulisers, humidifiers, air purifiers, blood-pressure monitors, pulse oximeters and similar items. Some branches carry small cans of recreational “boost” oxygen, but these hold only a few minutes of oxygen and are not a substitute for prescribed oxygen therapy.
That is not a criticism of the pharmacies. Oxygen concentrators are regulated medical devices that need to be matched to a prescription, set up correctly and serviced. In South Africa they are supplied by specialist medical oxygen companies licensed by SAHPRA.
Where to buy an oxygen concentrator in South Africa
Limitless Health has supplied medical oxygen equipment since 2009 and holds a SAHPRA licence to distribute medical devices (Licence No. 00005438MD). You can order online and have the machine delivered anywhere in South Africa, or collect from our premises in Fourways, Johannesburg.
- Home oxygen concentrators – 5-litre and 10-litre machines for continuous use at home, from about R10,000.
- Portable oxygen concentrators – battery-powered units such as the Inogen Rove 6, DeVilbiss iGo2 and Angel P510 for going out and travelling.
- Medical oxygen cylinders – for backup, emergencies and short trips, to buy or rent.
- Pre-owned and refurbished concentrators – serviced and guaranteed, at a lower price.
Need oxygen today? Rent instead of buying
If someone has just come out of hospital or you are not sure how long oxygen will be needed, renting an oxygen concentrator is often the sensible first step. A home concentrator rents from R960 a month from the second month, and we deliver and set up the same day across Gauteng. You can switch to buying later, or simply return the machine when it is no longer needed.
Can I claim from medical aid?
Many medical aids contribute towards oxygen equipment when it is prescribed. We supply the invoices and practice number you need and can help with the paperwork – see our medical aid page for details.
Talk to someone who does this every day
Call 011 028 1122 (or 071 687 2167 for emergencies, 24/7), email queries@limitlesshealth.co.za or request a quote. Tell us the prescribed flow rate and whether the patient needs oxygen at home, on the move or both, and we will recommend the right machine.
Oxygen is a medical treatment. Always use the flow rate and hours prescribed by your doctor.
