By Blessing Bature
The Federal Ministry of Health on Wednesday launched the second National Strategy document for the Scale-up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities (2023-2027).
The Minister of Health, Hon. Osagie Ehanire during the launching said the document is an expanded version which is built on the first plan (2017-2022) via extensive collaborative effort by all stakeholders for the improvement of equitable access to medical oxygen in health facilities in Nigeria.
Ehanire stated, “The second edition of this strategy document is aligned and set to measure up to the unprecedented upsurge in general health infrastructure including the gradual but increasing oxygen facilities. Furthermore, it will provide the platform for engaging stakeholders across the oxygen system spectrum i.e., oxygen supply, distribution, administration, and equipment maintenance.”
“We must agree that access to quality-assured medical oxygen can mean the difference between life and death in those with an indication or for that in dire need of oxygen therapy.
“I believe that this plan provides the roadmap for an enabling environment required to streamline efforts as well as ensure that patients receive oxygen therapy when needed. It also provides guidance to safeguard the quality of oxygen from manufacturer to patients, ensure its appropriate administration to patients, who should be preceded and/or followed with improved screening for hypoxemia”, he said.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting continuous collaboration in the health sector and encouraged other organizations and stakeholders to partner with the government as part of their corporate social responsibilities to fill gaps in the health sector in the country.
He also acknowledged the enormous contributions of all partners and stakeholders that remained united for oxygen and also express gratitude to all the stakeholders for this kind gesture and consistent support to the health sector in Nigeria in various ways.
