The Kwara State Government has commissioned two state-of-the-art Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants at the General Hospital, Lafiagi, and Thomas Adewumi Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran, to boost access to life-saving medical oxygen across the state.
The facilities, donated by the Global Fund, are designed to serve as regional hubs for medical-grade oxygen production, ensuring steady and affordable supply to hospitals, particularly in Kwara North and South senatorial districts.
Speaking at the technical commissioning ceremonies, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam — represented by the Assistant Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Alhaji Toyin Raji — described the project as a major stride in Kwara’s healthcare advancement.
“Medical oxygen is essential for neonatal care, surgeries, and emergencies. With these plants, our hospitals will now enjoy a reliable, locally produced supply — improving survival rates and patient outcomes,” she said.
Dr. El-Imam thanked the Global Fund for its support, acknowledging the initiative as a reflection of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to accessible and sustainable healthcare.
Zonal Coordinator, North Central Oxygen, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Onoja Kingsley, who led the technical inspection, stressed the importance of sustainability and urged the state to establish an Oxygen Committee to manage operations beyond the plants’ five-year warranty.
He recommended that proceeds from oxygen sales be reinvested into maintenance to ensure continuous functionality.
The Chief Medical Director of General Hospital Lafiagi, Dr. Saliu Bolakale, also commended the Global Fund and the state government, noting that the plants would strengthen healthcare delivery and save lives across communities.
The commissioning drew representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, NACA, and the Global Fund, who hailed the initiative as a landmark milestone in Kwara’s healthcare transformation.
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