The Ondo State Government has assured the Federal Government of its commitment to ensuring proper maintenance of the Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) plants donated to guarantee oxygen availability in the state.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance during the PSA plants’ assessment and handover ceremony to the state government by the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS at the State Specialist Hospital, Oke-Aro, Akure, on Friday.
While commending the state’s maintenance culture, he stressed the importance of putting the plants to proper use to enable health facilities and neighbouring states benefit from them.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Aiyedatiwa said his administration had prioritised the well-being of the people through numerous programmes, especially in the health sector, adding that recruitment of health workers in the state is ongoing.
According to him, plans are underway to ensure that health facilities across the state are adequately remunerated.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to improving healthcare in the country and in Ondo State, especially through the donation of gas plants.
He urged health workers to maximise the use of the three facilities to deliver quality healthcare services to residents.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Michael Simidele Odimayo, described the arrival of the gas plant at this period as a sign of better things to come for the state.
While thanking the Federal Ministry of Health for its support, he said Governor Aiyedatiwa had given priority to the welfare of the people, particularly in the health sector.
Odimayo noted that a Pharma-grade warehouse was recently commissioned in the state through collaboration, adding that with the governor’s achievements, “we have been able to get the FUTA Teaching Hospital, which is an addition to his sterling performance, and work is ongoing to have it fully operational.”
He said that with the FUTA Teaching Hospital in place, the state can boast of three teaching hospitals, which he described as a remarkable achievement.
Speaking further, he disclosed that recruitment of personnel at different levels in the sector is ongoing, adding that the governor is committed to the welfare of the people.
He also thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and the Global Fund, assuring effective management of the equipment.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, described the plant as the third oxygen plant handed over to the state, noting that two others had earlier been given to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, and the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa.
He appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his investments in the health sector, noting that human resource recruitment is ongoing, among other initiatives, and massive infrastructural development is planned for health facilities in the state.
Ajaka appealed to hospital management to provide the best service delivery to residents.
While thanking the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for their collaboration, he called for proper maintenance of the three gas plants in the state.
Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Ibeke Francis, described the project as one of several donated to the country by the Global Fund, noting that it aims to improve the oxygen ecosystem within the state.
He also called for proper management of the plant to enhance oxygen supply both in the state and neighbouring states.
Representative of NACA, Barr. Adeolu Aiyewumi, said much had been invested in the project and called for its proper maintenance, stressing that “it must be handled by professionals to ensure sustainability.”
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr. Victor Olusegun Ategbole, represented by a board member, Dr. Rotimi Wilson, emphasised the importance of the gas plant, stating that it will be used for the benefit of the people of the state.
