By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday handed over the multi billion Naira Pressure Swing
Absorption (PSA) Medical Oxygen Plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at the General Hospital Azare, to the Bauchi State Government.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate did the official Handover at General Hospital Azare,
Bauchi State stressing that “This milestone represents a remarkable step forward in our shared commitment to improving maternal, newborn and child
health in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.”
Cristian Munduate in her remarks stated that, “Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Bauchi State for their unwavering support and collaboration. I also express deepest appreciation to
our donors, IHS Nigeria and the Governments of Canada for this partnership.”
She added that,”This is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal – ensuring the health and well-being of every child and every mother
in this state.”
The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria further stated that, “The installation of the medical oxygen plant will ensure that critical life-saving intervention, particularly for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other
respiratory illnesses can be treated. 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 General Hospital Azare is equipped with state-of-the-art
facilities. This unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our
youngest and most vulnerable population,” She added.
According to her, “The significance of these developments cannot be
overstated. According to recent data, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, like the facilities being commissioned today, are crucial in reversing this trend.”
Cristian Munduate added that, “They demonstrate a firm commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
“Your Excellency, as we hand over these investments to the Bauchi State Government, I urged that the L2 Newborn Care unit be staffed by trained healthcare professionals. Availability of professionals dedicated to providing
specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns we are confident that they will be maintained and utilized
effectively to maximize their impact,” She stated.
She then stressed that,”UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government in this endeavour through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress.”
Cristian Munduate also stated that, “Today, we celebrate more than just the inauguration of new facilities; we celebrate hope, progress, and the promise of a healthier future for every child in Bauchi State. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes that these facilities will bring to the lives of many families and the entire populace. Together, we will continue to work towards a world where every child has the chance to survive, thriveand lead healthy and productive live.”
She however disclosed that the project was a collaborative efforts with the Canadian government.
The National Oxygen Desk, Federal Ministry of Health expressed excitement over the commissioning of the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant donated by UNICEF which is one of the Nine across the country.
According to the representative of the Ministry, “This occasion marks a significant milestone in the march towards our collective effort to ensure that Medical oxygen is available and reaches those who need it the most and thereby bringing us closer to our goal, that none should die from lack of medical oxygen.”
She added that,”On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare I extend a sincere gratitude to UNICEF for this investment and the belief in this Country, which has facilitated the success of this project. UNICEF has further trained the plant engineers, and the administrators on the management of this plant.”
“As you know, medical oxygen is a life-saving, essential medicine and it is required at all levels of the healthcare system for treatment of a variety of medical conditions including respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, complications of childbirth ete,” She stressed.
According to her,”High quality medical Oxygen is therefore non-negotiable. Unfortunately, lack of access to reliable medical oxygen has troubled the healthcare system in many developing countries, including parts of Nigeria.”
She explained that, “This PSA Oxygen Plant is of advantage because oxygen can be produced on-site and, in the quantity, and quality preferred. No more waiting for external supplies, rather a safe oxygen for medical use is at our doorstep and will be available to Azare, Itas-Gadau, Jama’are, Gadam Misau and the neigboring states of Yobe and Kano.”
“Today, this project is being handed over to the Bauchi Sate Government, which means that the responsibility to ensure optimal utilization and sustainability is with the State Government,” She stated.
FMOH&SW advised the State Government to Open a dedicated acount for the PSA plant sustainability and maintainance as directed by National Council of Health 2023 (Ekiti declaration), ensure training of more Biomedical engineers/ techincians on the operationalization of the plant and other medical equipment and facilitate more Healthcare workers training on oxygen utilization as well as provide conviniance (toilets) for the Staff.
She assured that the FMOH&SW remain committed to continue working with you to guidance and capacity building, where necessary.