By PATRICK ABANG, Calabar – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and IHS Towers, in collaboration with the Canadian Government have donated a Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen plant to Cross River State government. The oxygen plant is situated at the General Hospital, Calabar. Speaking during the commissioning of the oxygen plant in Càlabar, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, who was represented by the Fund’s Chief Field Officer Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, said in addition to oxygen plant, 250 health workers across all three tiers, as well as biomedical engineers and technicians, have been trained in managing illnesses causing low oxygen concentration, the correct use of oxygen therapy, and the maintenance and repair of oxygen delivery equipment.
“In addition to this oxygen plant, the State has also received numerous oxygen-delivery devices from UNICEF and its partners, which are also being commissioned for service today. “We will continue to collaborate with your government to enhance the capacity of health workers to deliver high-impact interventions for women, newborns and children. We will continue to provide technical support and strengthen systems for service delivery.
Our ultimate goal is to contribute to making this State rank among the best in the country in key indicators of maternal and child health. She maintained that the commitment was aimed at strengthening healthcare system and ensuring access to life-saving medical oxyg.