The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and IHS Towers, in collaboration with the government of Canada, have donated an oxygen gas plant to the Cross River State government.
The mega project which was commissioned on Friday is situated at the General Hospital, Calabar.
Speaking during the commissioning of the oxygen plant, UNICEF representative, Ms Cristian Mundate, said in addition to the oxygen plant, 250 health workers across all three tiers, as well as biomedical engineers and technicians, have been trained in managing illnesses causing low oxygen concentration, the correct use of oxygen therapy, and the maintenance and repair of oxygen delivery equipment.
“In addition to this oxygen plant, the State has also received numerous oxygen-delivery devices from UNICEF and its partners, which are also being commissioned for service today.
“We will continue to collaborate with your government to enhance the capacity of health workers to deliver high-impact interventions for women, newborns and children. We will continue to provide technical support and strengthen systems for service delivery. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to making this State rank among the best in the country in key indicators of maternal and child health.”
Mundate who was represented by the Chief of the field office, Enugu UNICEF, Juliet Chiluwe maintained that the commitment was aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring access to life-saving medical oxygen, particularly for the most vulnerable population.
“Permit me to acknowledge the contributions of our esteemed partners who share the vision of strengthening the medical oxygen system in Nigeria and are contributing to saving the precious lives of our children and women.
Commissioning the project, the governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the deputy governor, Hon Peter Odey, expressed confidence that the Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant will make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless citizens of the State.
He thanked UNICEF for the gesture, insisting that the State Government would pay a regular visit to the plant to monitor its usage and functionality even as she urged the General hospital management to make judicious use of the plant.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk thanked UNICEF for training state-based engineers that will manage the facility, noting that the facility is a money-spinning facility whose IGR is capable of sustaining the entire hospital.
He added that plans were underway to establish another oxygen plant in Ogoja General Hospital while appealing to UNICEF and other partners to see how they can establish such a facility in Ugep, Central Senatorial District of Cross River state.
Various stakeholders like the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) also sent messages of goodwill for the project during the event.
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