By Ernest Etteobong
A multi-million naira Oxygen Gas Plant (OGP) has been commissioned at the General Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State.
The OGP was commissioned on Friday by the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Hon Peter Odey.
The mega project was donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and IHS Towers, in collaboration with the government of Canada to the Cross River State government.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, UNICEF representative, Cristian Munduate, said in addition to the plant, 250 health workers across the three tiers of government 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.
She said that “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.
“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.”
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Munduate who was represented by the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, 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.
While commissioning the project, the representative of the 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 internally generated revenue is capable of sustaining the entire hospital.
He disclosed plans to establish a similar plant in Ogoja General Hospital and appealed to UNICEF and other partners to see how they can establish such a facility in Ugep.