Oyo state government, in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), on Wednesday, inaugurated a solar-powered Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) medical oxygen plant at the Jericho Specialist Hospital Ibadan.

A level 2 newborn unit (12-cot facility for newborns) and the Oyo state strategy for the scale-up of medical oxygen in health facilities (2024-2028) were also inaugurated and launched respectively.

Gov. Seyi Makinde, at the inauguration ceremony, reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting every project aimed at improving the well-being of the people of the state.

He acknowledged the contributions of UNICEF and other partner organisations toward improving maternal and healthcare of residents of the state.

He said the inaugurated oxygen plant would address the challenge of oxygen shortage in hospitals and strengthen the healthcare system by providing a safety net for those in need.

In her address, country representative, UNICEF Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said the projects represented a remarkable step forward in UNICEF’s shared commitment to improving maternal and child health in Oyo State and across Nigeria.

Ms Munduate said the installation of the solar-powered medical oxygen plant was a groundbreaking achievement.

She emphasised that oxygen was a critical life-saving intervention, particularly for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

“By harnessing solar power, we ensure reliable and sustainable oxygen supply, even in times of limited electricity.

“This plant is a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives and provide a model for similar initiatives across the country.

“Additionally, the Level 2 Newborn Unit established here at Jericho Specialist Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by trained healthcare professionals dedicated to providing specialised care for premature and critically ill newborns.

“This unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population.

“Also launch the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities.

“This strategy is a comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure that every health facility in the state is equipped with the necessary resources to provide medical oxygen.

“As we hand over these facilities to the Oyo State Government, we are confident that they will be maintained and utilised effectively to maximise their impact.

“UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government in this endeavour through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress,” she stated.

In her opening remarks, the state commissioner for health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the inauguration of the projects marked a significant achievement for the state and its partners, who had contributed tỉrelessly to bringing the projects to fruition.

According to Ms Ajetunmobi, the partners include UNICEF, IHS Towers, the governments of Norway and Canada and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

She noted that the achievement had stood as a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and the impact of collective efforts in addressing critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

“Medical oxygen is a lifesaving essential medicine used to treat patients at all levels of the healthcare system from intensive care to newborn and child health care, anaesthetic, and siųrgical services to outpatient services.

“The strategy for the scale-up of medical oxygen is envisioned to ensure that all patients with hypoxaemia are properly diagnosed and treated with medical oxygen to ensure that no patient dies from hypoxaemia.

“The availability of high-quality and functional oxygen supply systems will improve equitable access to oxygen and, in so doing, would significantly reduce mortality from hypoxaemiafti in our society,” she said.

The commissioner further diclosed that the oxygen plảnt was the first to be solar powered in Nigeria, adding that its establishment was a testament to the commitment Mr Makinde’s administration to enhancing healthcare infrastructure.

She equally said that the inauguration of the 12-cot facility for newborns equipped to provide advanced care for small and sick newborns represented a strategic intervention aimed at improving health outcomes for newborns.

The highlight of the event was the handing over of the facilities to Mr Makinde by Ms Munduate on behalf of UNICEF.

(NAN)