Calabar: The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has highlighted the significance of the newly donated 10,000-litre oxygen plant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), noting its status as the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the South-South region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Temilope Ilori, NACA’s Director-General, made this announcement during an inspection of the facility in Calabar. The plant was donated under the Global Fund COVID-19 RM grant, facilitated by the Federal Government to bolster Nigeria’s health systems post-COVID-19 with essential medical infrastructure and equipment.
Dr. Ilori emphasized that UCTH is a major beneficiary, receiving not just the oxygen plant, but also over 400 cylinders, humidifiers, concentrators, and pulse oximeters to enhance emergency and critical care services. She expressed satisfaction with the effective utilization of these resources for public health services and their alignment with the intervention’s goals.
She further mentioned that the grant also supports fully functional PSA oxygen plants in Ogoja, which are currently serving nearby communities, with another facility in Ikom pending inauguration. Dr. Ilori stressed the importance of sustaining these facilities, noting that the Global Fund secured five-year warranty and maintenance contracts, including spare parts support for the new installations.
Dr. Ilori highlighted that Cross River has experienced significant upgrades in its oxygen systems, valued at approximately 800,000 dollars, which have bolstered infrastructure at UCTH and expanded oxygen capacity in Ogoja and Ikom, ensuring more reliable oxygen therapy services.
She also underlined the importance of collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Health, NACA, and the Cross River Government for optimal use of these investments, while stressing that sustained success will require state ownership, skilled manpower, and continuous operational support.
In response, UCTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, stated that the hospital operates the plant under a revolving fund model to ensure sustainability. He explained that revenue from the plant is allocated to a TSA sub-account dedicated to maintenance, servicing, and oxygen refilling as needed.
Prof. Ikpeme noted that the plant currently meets the hospital’s oxygen demands before supplying other facilities, a necessary measure due to high demand. He described UCTH as the largest functioning health institution in Cross River, with significant oxygen requirements from its ICU, Pediatric ICU, and Special Care Unit.
He highlighted the hospital’s new Accident and Emergency complex, which will expand capacity with additional ICUs, neonatal units, trauma theatres, and emergency beds. Prof. Ikpeme remarked that oxygen shortages ended two years ago with the plant’s installation, marking a crucial improvement in critical care delivery. He also noted the superior quality of oxygen produced compared to many PSA machines in the region, leading to reduced reliance on uncertified oxygen sources.