By Adeyinka Adeniran
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art solarized oxygen plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at the stage owned Jericho Specialist Hospital, Jericho, Ibadan.
The event forms part of his administration’s stride towards improving healthcare infrastructure and in commemoration of the fifth year anniversary of his government.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor said the newly commissioned solarized oxygen plant represents a groundbreaking leap in his agenda for sustainable healthcare solutions in the Oyo state health sector, adding that any project that improves the welfare of the people is critical and important to his administration.
He noted further that the healthcare facility, powered by renewable energy sources, would ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, critical for life-saving interventions in the state.
He said 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 and that no patient dies from hypoxaemia.
Makinde noted that 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 hypoxaemia.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts in improving healthcare infrastructure in the state, the governor explained that the innovation would not only address the pressing need for reliable medical oxygen but also aligns with global efforts to addressing aftermath challenges of post Covid-19.
He added that the oxygen plant, the Level 2 Newborn Unit stands as a beacon of hope for infants requiring specialized care as the facility provides a round the clock service.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, the governor said the unit promises to enhance neonatal healthcare services in the Oyo state.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of investing in maternal and child health, reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.
He lauded the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders including international partners such as the UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation underscoring the significance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to prioritizing healthcare infrastructure, pledging continued support to initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across the state.
In his remarks, the Country Director of UNICEF in Nigeria, Miss Cristian Munduate commended Makinde for his forward-thinking and pragmatic approach to improving healthcare infrastructures assuring in the state.
She also lauded Oyo state for being the first in the country to have such state-of-the-art facility in place expressing optimism that other governors would soon suit.
The Commissioner for health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi earlier in her welcome address noted that the solarized Medical Oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption Plant and the level 2 Newborn Unit being commissioned by the governor are the first of its kind in Nigeria.
She said the launch of the Oyo State Strategy for the scale-up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities (2024-2028) will put Oyo state on global map as a frontline first class healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.
She added that the milestones marked a significant achievement for the Series Makinde led government and its partners including the UNICEF, IHS Towers, the Governments of Norway and Canada and Bills & Melinda Gates Foundation who she said have contributed tỉrelessly to bring the projects to fruition.
Highlight of the event was the signing of all official documents handing over of the facility to the state government.
