Lagos: The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a new Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, to ensure constant availability of oxygen for patients. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, noted that the oxygen plant, donated by Global Fund, would help to reduce mortalities caused by oxygen shortages.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the PSA oxygen plant was provided in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health. The plant has the capacity to produce 60 cylinders in 24 hours. Dr Olajumoke Oyenuga, representing Prof. Abayomi, emphasized the alignment of this donation with the efforts of the state government to ensure a healthier and more robust health system.
The commissioner highlighted past challenges faced during COVID-19 due to a lack of access to oxygen, which resulted in loss of lives. The new plant at Alimosho General Hospital is expected to meet its oxygen requirements through a steady supply, positively impacting treatment outcomes for patients requiring oxygen therapy.
Mrs Eno Edem-Igabo, Secretary to the National Oxygen Desk, Federal Ministry of Health, stated that this initiative, supported by Global Fund, is part of measures by the Federal Government to ensure no one dies due to lack of oxygen. She mentioned that 63 plants were donated to two senatorial zones in each state to increase access to oxygen.
Dr Ayodapo Soyinka, the Medical Director of Alimosho General Hospital, praised the donor and noted that the plant would assist in meeting the hospital’s significant oxygen needs and extend its benefits to other parts of the state. He acknowledged the strategic significance of locating the oxygen plant in Alimosho, the largest local government in Lagos State.
The hospital uses approximately 30-40 oxygen cylinders daily for patients, and as the only general hospital with a functional ICU in the state, the need for oxygen is critical. Dr Soyinka expressed gratitude to both state and federal ministries for their support and highlighted that the hospital has already taken steps to ensure the plant’s smooth operation and sustainability.
Mr Abiodun Omoloja, Coordinator of Global Fund Grant Unit, Lagos Office, reiterated the collaboration’s aim with the federal ministry to ensure access to medical oxygen when needed.
