A new Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant with capacity to produce 135 oxygen cylinders per day has opened in Bauchi State, north-east Nigeria.
Funded by Canada and IHS, the facility can deliver up to 720,000 litres of medical oxygen daily, supporting up to 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50-60 patients requiring round-the-clock therapy.
Equipped with cylinders, related accessories, and a backup manifold system, it will not only serve the General Hospital but also other healthcare facilities across the state. A Level 2 Newborn Unit was also commissioned.
H.E. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said, “This oxygen plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit are transformative investments in our healthcare system, particularly for the survival of our children and vulnerable groups. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. We deeply appreciate the partnership with UNICEF and all stakeholders who made this achievement possible.”
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said access to medical oxygen and neonatal care is fundamental to saving lives, particularly for children with severe respiratory illnesses or complications at birth.
“This facility exemplifies the impact of collaboration in building resilient healthcare systems and safeguarding the lives of children and families in Bauchi State,” he said.
Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, said the oxygen plant is a vital resource for Yobe State and will significantly boost its capacity to provide life-saving medical oxygen to hospitals.
“This initiative which aligns with our commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve also speaks to the importance of working collaboratively to solve healthcare challenges in the country,” he said.
The initiative aligns with global and national goals of achieving universal health coverage and underscores Bauchi State’s determination to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure.
Nigeria records more than 625,000 deaths every year due to diseases associated with hypoxaemia – insufficient oxygen in the blood or low blood oxygen saturation – and it accounts for 125,000 deaths among under fives.
The National Policy for Medical Oxygen aims to scale up pulse oximeters and oxygen therapy and encourage rational drug use to treat all hypoxaemia-related diseases.
