Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, Thursday, commissioned a new Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant and a level 2 Newborn Unit at the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital.
He said the commissioning is a major milestone in healthcare delivery for children and the vulnerable population in the state.
Mohammed stated that the project is funded by CANADA and HIS. The PSA oxygen plant has the capacity to produce 135 oxygen cylinders (20-liter bottles) in 24 hours and deliver 720,000 liters of medical oxygen daily.
“This capacity can support up to 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50 to 60 patients requiring round the clock oxygen therapy,” said.
He stated this while speaking to journalist Wednesday and added that the facility, equipped with cylinders, related accessories, and a backup manifold system, will not only serve the General Hospital but also other healthcare facilities across the state.
“This oxygen plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit are transformative investments in our healthcare system, particularly for the survival of our children and vulnerable groups. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
“We deeply appreciate the partnership with UNICEF and all stakeholders who made this achievement possible.
“The newly commissioned Level 2 Newborn Unit is designed to provide advanced neonatal care, ensuring premature and critically ill newborns receive life-saving treatment. This development reflects a strong commitment to reducing neonatal and child mortality in Bauchi state.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, lauded the project’s significance in addressing critical health needs.
“Access to medical oxygen and neonatal care is fundamental to saving lives, particularly for children with severe respiratory illnesses or complications at birth,” he said.
She said the facility exemplifies the impact of collaboration in building resilient healthcare systems and safeguarding the lives of children and families in Bauchi state.
