In a move to strengthen medical infrastructure and improve access to affordable healthcare, the Cross River State Government has commissioned a new state-of-the-art medical oxygen plant.
The facility is located within the premises of the General Hospital, Ogoja, in the northern senatorial district of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The plant is expected to boost oxygen supply for medical emergencies and critical care, particularly in rural and underserved communities
A release by the information officer in the Cross River State Ministry of Health indicate that the facility would be officially commissioned in a few weeks as part of strategic efforts to enhance emergency health services, especially in the northern district.
According to Aim, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, who recently visited the facility, expressed delight at the quality and spate of installation work, noting that the plant was currently being tested.
Ayuk, he noted, hinted to the commitment of Governor Bassey Out to upgrade and expand health infrastructure for easy access particularly in rural communities and ensure quality care for every citizens.
Dr. Ayuk outlined the benefits of establishing the plant in the district and briefly explained reasons for the infrastructural upgrade, “the COVID‑19 era exposed the vulnerabilities of global health systems in managing acute emergencies. As a state, we are determined and prepared at all times to address any outbreak.
“So, the benefits of this plant for us is reducing dependence on external suppliers; ensures steady oxygen availability and reduce cost for patients. Besides these, it will save time and improved autonomy for rural health facilities,” the commissioner emphasized.
He said that the State government would monitor the operation of the plant and explore opportunities to establish similar facilities in other underserved areas.
Extending service
The Medical Superintendent of the General Hospital Ogoja, Dr. Patrick Ugbe, who accompanied the commissioner on tour of the new oxygen plant said that the management was ready to render services to the healthcare centres in the central district too.
The facility, which was established with the collaboration of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, is expected to supply medical-grade oxygen to public and private healthcare facilities within the region.
The new oxygen plant In Ogoja is the second established in Cross River State due to the success recorded with the first Pressure Swing Absorption plant commissioned in May last year at General Hospital Calabar.