The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and IHS Nigeria have commended the medical oxygen plant at Eleme, Rivers State, for significantly addressing the oxygen supply gap in the state’s healthcare system and saving countless lives.
The commendation came during a joint inspection of the facility on Wednesday by representatives of UNICEF and IHS Nigeria.
Located within the Eleme General Hospital in Ebubu, the oxygen plant was established through a public-private partnership involving UNICEF, the Canadian Government, IHS Nigeria, and the Rivers State Ministry of Health, under the coordination of the State Hospital Management Board.
Speaking after the inspection, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Port Harcourt, Dr. Anslem Audu, said the initiative was launched in response to critical oxygen shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among children.
“The era of oxygen scarcity is over. Hospitals in Port Harcourt now have a steady supply, thanks to this plant,” Audu stated. “This project is a testament to the success of the collaboration between UNICEF, IHS, the Canadian Government, and the Rivers State Ministry of Health.”
