On Wednesday, May 29, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State inaugurated a state-of-the-art solarized oxygen plant and a Level 2 Newborn Unit at the state-owned Jericho Specialist Hospital in Ibadan. This milestone event marks the fifth anniversary of his administration and showcases his commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the state.
Governor Makinde highlighted that the solarized oxygen plant represents a significant advancement in sustainable healthcare solutions. Powered by renewable energy, the facility ensures an uninterrupted oxygen supply, crucial for life-saving interventions. The governor emphasized that such projects, which improve residents' welfare, are critical to his administration.
The governor noted that the strategy for scaling up medical oxygen aims to ensure all patients with hypoxaemia are properly diagnosed and treated, significantly reducing mortality rates. The facility's high-quality and reliable oxygen supply systems will enhance equitable access to medical oxygen across the state, addressing post-Covid-19 challenges.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by skilled professionals, the newly inaugurated Level 2 Newborn Unit promises to enhance neonatal healthcare services. Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maternal and child health, underscoring the importance of investing in the best possible start for every child.
The event saw praises from stakeholders, including UNICEF's Country Director in Nigeria, Miss Cristian Munduate, who commended Governor Makinde's progressive approach to healthcare infrastructure. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, noted that the solarized medical oxygen plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit are the first of their kind in Nigeria. The inauguration also marked the launch of the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities (2024-2028), positioning Oyo State as a leader in healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.
