The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF in partnership with the Government of Oyo state has commissioned a fully solarized medical oxygen plant and a level two New born unit facility at the Jericho Specialist Hospital.
In an event which was held at the premises of the Hospital, saw the executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde commissioned the facilities which was handed over to the state government for public use.
In her address, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate said the commissioning of the projects which are first of their kind in Nigeria is a very important step taken in revolutionizing the country’s health sector especially in the area of care for newborns.
She noted that the facilities are needed because Nigeria has one of the highest neonatal deaths in the world and with Oyo State recording about 35 newborn deaths in every 1000 births, thus making Oyo state a good place for the facilities.
Ms Munduate who also congratulated the Federal minister of health and the state government emphasized that the facilities comes within the framework of the sector wide approach being led by the minister and also in Oyo State by the Governor, with a huge commitment and implementation from the state ministry of health.
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She said, “Today we are doing the launch of a very important milestone in the country. This is the first ever oxygen plant with solarized power that is being established in the country, along with a newborn level 2 health facility in the Jericho Hospital.
“This means the babies, the newborns of one day, one week, one month, will have the opportunity to survive because neonatal death is one of the highest in the world in Nigeria. So here in Oyo State, we have more or less 35 newborns that die for every 1,000 children that are born. So it is needed.
“We congratulate the state authorities and the federal authorities. This comes within the framework of the sector-wide approach being led by the Honorable Minister of health and also here at Oyo State, led by the Governor, and with a huge commitment and implementation from the State Ministry of Health”.
Ms Munduate who gave the reason for the solarization of the facilities said the solarization was necessary due to epileptic power supply which could hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of the facilities.
She stressed that patients need no longer wait for power in order to access any of the facilities as there will be no issue in regards to power.
“You know, there is a lot of electricity cut and whenever you have an emergency for a child, you cannot wait until the light comes. Sometimes, power goes on and off and before you know it, the child is dead, and when access to the facilities is restricted due to power issues, people will no longer bring their babies.
“So this time they will have the opportunity to come whenever they like and at any time they need to.
Speaking on the choice of Oyo state as the destination of the projects, Ms Munduate stressed that there are factors that contribute to why Oyo state was picked which includes the level of commitment of the government in terms of health budget and the geographical location though this is also dependent on the commitment of the government which is believed would serve as motivation for other states.
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Ms Munduate also reveal that the facilities though built in partnership with the IHS, the government of Canada and Norway would be handed over it the Oyo State government for proper and efficient maintenance.
Speaking at the event, the executive governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde described the newly opened solarized medical oxygen plant as a major step forward in his agenda for sustainable healthcare development in Oyo state, adding that any project that contributes to the overall welfare of the people of the state is always a priority for him.
He noted further that the healthcare facility, powered by renewable energy sources, would ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, critical for life-saving interventions in the state.
Makinde noted that the oxygen plant will scale up high-quality and functional oxygen supply systems and improve equitable access to Oxygen which would significantly reduce mortality of newborns
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 aligns with global efforts to addressing 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, the governor said the unit promises to enhance neonatal healthcare services in the Oyo state.
Governor Makinde 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.
He 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.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to prioritizing healthcare infrastructure, pledging continued support to initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across the state.
