From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to improve emergency healthcare services across the state, particularly in the Central Senatorial District, with the completion of a modern Medical Oxygen Plant at the Comprehensive Healthcare Centre (CHC), Ikom.
The state government described the project as a major intervention aimed at strengthening emergency response services and improving access to life-saving oxygen therapy in health facilities across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Friday after assessing and inspecting the facility.
He confirmed that the oxygen plant has been fully completed, installed, and is ready for commissioning and immediate use.
According to Dr. Ayuk, the facility is expected to significantly ease the growing demand for medical oxygen, particularly within the Central Senatorial District and neighbouring communities.
“I have just inspected yet another enduring legacy project of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the newly completed Medical Oxygen Plant at the Comprehensive Healthcare Centre (CHC), Ikom,” the commissioner stated.
He explained that the oxygen plant was developed in collaboration with The Global Fund and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), commending both organisations for their continued support in strengthening the healthcare system in Cross River State.
Dr. Ayuk noted that the partnership demonstrates the importance of collaboration in expanding access to quality healthcare services and improving critical care infrastructure across the state.
He added that the project underscores the commitment of the Otu-led administration to repositioning the health sector through strategic investments targeted at enhancing emergency and critical healthcare services.
The commissioner further stated that the oxygen plant would improve the capacity of hospitals and healthcare centres to respond effectively to medical emergencies requiring oxygen support, while reducing dependence on external oxygen supply sources.
