UNICEF Gifts PSA Oxygen Plant to OOUTH

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

As part of measures to reduce mortality due to acute respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, and hypoxemia in Ogun State, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF, has provided a Pressure Swing Absorption, PSA Oxygen Plant for the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, OOUTH, Sagamu. 

Speaking at the official handing over of the facility, the Chief Field Officer, UNICEF Lagos, Ms Celine Lafoucriere, said the plant with the capacity of 300 litres of oxygen per minute would be of benefit to the people of the state, particularly thousands of newborns and pregnant women.

Ms Lafoucriere noted that the project was crucial as oxygen remained a lifesaving medical gas used for treating respiratory illnesses and supporting various healthcare provisions such as emergency obstetric care, surgery, and anaesthesia. 

The UNICEF Representative Field Officer expressed optimism that mortalities due to pneumonia would be reduced by 35 per cent, while the survival of newborns and pregnant women suffering from pneumonia and other hypoxemia disorders would improve with the oxygen plant. 

She said the UNICEF was committed to supporting not just Ogun State, but the entire nation to reach the level where no child would die from preventable causes beyond pneumonia and other hypoxemia disorders, emphasizing that all children must enjoy the right to reach their full potential in health and well-being.

While acknowledging the state government’s commitment to the vision, the UNICEF representative gave the assurance of a partnership that would enhance the provision of quality healthcare that would be accessible and affordable to every mother and child. 

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Tokunbo Talabi appreciated UNICEF for donating the plant to the state, promising that the facility would be adequately utilized.

Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker pointed out that plans were underway by the state government to establish three oxygen plants in Abeokuta and another one in the Ota area of the state. 

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, had said the plant would further elevate the tertiary health institution to a first-class healthcare delivery facility in the continent.

The official handover ceremony was witnessed by the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Babatunde Ajayi.

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