Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated a state-of-the-art solarized oxygen plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit as part of activities marking his fifth anniversary in office.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Jericho Hospital, Ibadan where he stated that the newly- commissioned solarized oxygen plant represents a ground-breaking leap in his agenda for sustainable healthcare solutions in the Oyo state health sector.
According to Makinde, any project that improves the welfare of the people is critical to his administration, noting further that the healthcare facility, powered by renewable energy sources, would ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, critical for life-saving interventions in the state.
To him, the 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. He therefore 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 align with global efforts to address the 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, he stated that the unit promises to enhance neonatal healthcare services in Oyo state. Makinde therefore 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.
Makinde 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.
The Country Director of UNICEF in Nigeria, Miss Cristian Munduate, commended Makinde for his forward-thinking and pragmatic approach to improving healthcare infrastructures in the state. She also lauded Oyo state for being the first in the country to have such a state-of-the-art facility in place expressing optimism that other governors would soon suit.
Dr Ajetumobi, the Commissioner for Health, in her welcome address, said that the solarized Medical Oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption Plant and the level 2 Newborn Unit commissioned are the first of their kind in Nigeria.
