Gov. Otu Lauds UNICEF, IHS, For Donating Oxygen Plant To CRS Government
Prince Bassey Otu has lauded initiative of the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) and telecom giant, IHS Towers in collaboration with the Government of Canada to donate an oxygen gas plant to Cross River State Government. The pioneer project east of the Niger is situated at the General Hospital, Calabar. The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, expressed optimism that the Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen plant will make a significant difference in the lives of countless citizens of the State, while thanking UNICEF for the gesture, insisting that the State Government will pay regular visits to the plant to monitor its usage and functionality and urged the management of the Hospital to make judicious use of the plant.
Speaking during the commissioning of the oxygen gas plant, UNICEF representative, Mrs. Cristain Mundate, disclosed that in addition to the oxygen plant, 250 health workers across three senatorial districts, 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 stated 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 for service”.
“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,” he explained.
The Chief of the field office, Enugu UNICEF, Juliet Chiuwe Mundate 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.
In his welcome address, the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, thanks 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 if fully utilized. He disclosed plants 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.
The sector stakeholders including 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.
