Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has called for the proper use of medical oxygen to prevent it from turning into toxins which are not useful to the body.
Dr. Obidike made this known in Awka, the state capital, during the train the trainers training on the use of oxygen, oxygen devices and oxygen delivery; organised in collaboration with United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF.
Two hundred and twenty-two participants from primary healthcare centres in the state, doctors and matrons from general hospitals, directors and some selected newly recruited health officials in the state attended the training; which is the third phase of such programme.
Addressing the participants, the Health Commissioner, who said that governor Chukwuma Soludo was passionate about the training, explained that the ministry decided to embark on the training based on the gaps noticed when they carried out oxygen assessment in Anambra State.
Dr. Obidike explained that oxygen is key to giving life to a patient, but made it clear that oxygen, if not properly used, could be toxic and wasteful to the body.
He noted that the ministry wants to build capacity on the use of oxygen, oxygen devices and delivery, even as he assured that the ministry will make oxygen available to all the healthcare facilities in the state.
Contributing, the Head of Medical Support Services, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said the training was to expose participants on all they need to know about oxygen and oxygen usage, and its devices for them to be able to train their colleagues in their various healthcare centres for improved service delivery.
Some of the participants said that the training has exposed them to the use of oxygen, when to use it, and the quantity to apply at any given time, and location.
Lateefah Ibrahim
