Anambra State has unveiled a new oxygen production plant in Enugwu Ukwu to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Officials say the facility will ensure constant supply, cut costs, and save more lives.
The Anambra State Government has formally launched a modern Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Medical Oxygen Plant at the General Hospital, Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, in a move designed to boost the delivery of quality healthcare across the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who spoke during the commissioning, said the project was a landmark achievement that would transform the way hospitals in the state access life-saving medical oxygen. He explained that one of the major challenges faced by health facilities has been the irregular supply and high cost of oxygen, but the new plant would address these gaps.
According to Dr. Obidike, the facility will guarantee uninterrupted access to oxygen, drastically cutting the state’s dependence on private suppliers. He added that this will reduce the risk of stock shortages which, in the past, had led to avoidable delays in treatment. He noted that the availability of oxygen directly within the hospital will be vital during emergencies such as severe asthma attacks, respiratory distress, or mass casualty incidents, where timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death.
He also stressed that beyond medical impact, the oxygen plant would help hospitals minimize operational costs. “Instead of spending heavily on transporting oxygen cylinders from distant cities, facilities around Enugwu Ukwu and neighbouring areas can now refill their supplies here, saving both money and time,” he remarked.
The project, which includes an independent power generator to ensure reliability, was developed in collaboration with the Global Fund, the Federal Government, and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). The partnership, according to Dr. Obidike, reflects the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to work with both local and international partners to upgrade the health sector.
“The commissioning of this plant is not an isolated project,” Dr. Obidike explained. “It is part of a broader reform agenda by the present administration to modernize health infrastructure, enhance emergency response systems, and ensure that the people of Anambra have access to affordable, high-quality medical care.”
The event was attended by several senior officials in the health sector. Among them were the Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme; the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu; and the Head of Enugwu Ukwu General Hospital, Dr. Dozie Udeolisa. Representatives from the Federal Government and NACA, including Mrs. Grace Izuwa and Mr. Chizoba Nwabashili, were also present to witness the unveiling.
Stakeholders at the ceremony commended the state government for prioritizing health infrastructure, stressing that projects like the oxygen plant would go a long way in saving lives and improving the confidence of residents in public health facilities.
