Revolutionizing Healthcare in Oyo State: Makinde Inaugurates Solarised Oxygen Plant
In a groundbreaking move to boost healthcare infrastructure in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde recently unveiled the first solarised Medical Oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption Plant in Nigeria. The inauguration took place at the Jericho Specialist Hospital in Ibadan, where the Level 2 Newborn Unit was also launched. This initiative aligns with the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities (2024-2028), signaling a significant step towards enhancing healthcare delivery in the region.
Governor Makinde emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving essential healthcare infrastructure and supporting innovative healthcare solutions. The launch of the medical oxygen scaling strategy underscores the government’s dedication to not only developing physical infrastructure but also establishing sustainable healthcare institutions for long-term benefits.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other key partners in the health sector, Governor Makinde announced the approval for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals to address the existing personnel shortage in the healthcare system. He emphasized the importance of projects that enhance the healthcare system, citing healthcare as a fundamental pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
Over the past five years, Governor Makinde’s administration has prioritized healthcare projects, with a focus on primary healthcare facilities. Notably, more than 210 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) have been rehabilitated and upgraded across the state, reflecting a significant investment in the healthcare sector. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the government successfully utilized upgraded healthcare facilities to manage and contain the spread of the virus, demonstrating resilience and effective crisis response.
The solarised oxygen plant inauguration marks a pivotal moment in Oyo State’s healthcare landscape, symbolizing a transformative shift towards sustainable healthcare solutions. Governor Makinde expressed gratitude to donor agencies and partners for their support in realizing this vital project, which will enhance critical healthcare services for the people of Oyo State. The provision of medical oxygen during the pandemic highlighted the importance of robust healthcare infrastructure, and Oyo State’s proactive approach to healthcare development sets a commendable precedent for the region.