In a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery across the State, the Kwara State Government has commissioned two state-of-the-art Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants. The plants, which were donated by the Global Fund, are located at the General Hospital, Lafiagi, and the Thomas Adewumi Teaching Hospital, Omu Aran.

These new facilities are designed to serve as regional hubs for medical grade oxygen production, ensuring a steady and affordable supply of this essential life-saving resource to hospitals across the State, particularly benefiting the Kwara North and Kwara South senatorial districts.

Speaking at the technical commissioning ceremonies, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El Imam, who was represented by the Assistant Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Alhaji Toyin Raji, described the projects as "significant milestones in Kwara State's healthcare journey."

She emphasised the importance of the new facilities: "Medical oxygen remains a critical life-saving resource used daily in neonatal care, surgeries, emergency treatments, and respiratory conditions. With these plants, our hospitals will now enjoy a reliable and affordable oxygen supply produced locally. That means more hope and better health outcomes for our patients and families," she stated.

Dr. El-Imam expressed profound gratitude to the Global Fund for their generous support, describing the initiative as "a testament to shared commitment to quality healthcare and a reflection of the vision of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, to make healthcare accessible and sustainable for all Kwarans."

She also commended the Federal Ministry of Health, National Agency for Control of Aids (NACA) and the dedicated technical teams and health workers who ensured the successful installation and testing of the plants.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central Oxygen, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Onoja Kingsley, led the technical inspection and commissioning process. He explained that the exercise involved testing all plant components, including the Air Compressor, PSA Oxygen Generator, Booster Compressor, and Filling Ramp to verify oxygen purity and system efficiency.

Mr. Kingsley emphasized the need for sustainability, urging the State to establish a State Oxygen Committee and implement a sustainable framework to guarantee continuous operation beyond the plant's five-year warranty period.

"The plants should not only produce oxygen but also generate revenue through sales, with proceeds reinvested in operations and maintenance," he advised.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of Lafiaji General Hospital, Dr. Saliu Bolakale, expressed deep appreciation to the Global Fund and the Kwara State Government for its consistent investment in the health sector.

He affirmed that the newly commissioned oxygen plant would significantly enhance healthcare service delivery and save countless lives through reliable, home-grown oxygen production.

"This project marks a major advancement in our State's healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates government's unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of its people," Dr. Bolakale affirmed.

The commissioning ceremonies were attended by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, Global Fund, National Agency for Control of Aids (NACA) and top officials from the Kwara State Ministry of Health, who all lauded the initiative as a landmark achievement in the State's ongoing health sector transformation.