As part of effort to address the negative statistics of Kaduna being the highest in neonatal mortality rate in the North-West, the State Governor Malam Uba Sani has commissioned newly built Pressure Swing Adsorption PSA Oxygen Plant and Neonatal Unit at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital to offer essential services to preserve the lives of children and mothers.
Speaking at the the commissioning, Governor Sani said the projects was a direct response of his administration to addressing the alarming statistics of neonatal mortality in the state.
Represented by his deputy Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the Governor noted that one of the most pressing challenges in Nigeria is the high maternal and child mortality rate.
He said an estimated seven hundred babies die every day in Nigeria, amounting to approximately thirty newborn deaths every hour.
Malam Uba Sani who regretted that Kaduna State has the highest neonatal mortality rate in the North-West of Nigeria, stressed that the new neonatal unit will provide comprehensive care for mothers and their fetuses, through delivery and immediate postnatal period among others.
“The unit will cater to newborns aged 0-28 days and offer essential services to sustain the lives of our children and their mothers. In addition to addressing neonatal care, the construction of the oxygen plant addresses critical health needs by ensuring a reliable supply of oxygen to the newborn unit and facilities across the state.
Governor Uba Sani also revealed that, the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant uses advanced gas generation technology to produce much-needed oxygen, which will save many lives that might otherwise be lost due to oxygen shortages.
“The neonatal unit is equipped with modern, up-to-date equipment designed to maximize the benefits of the PSA oxygen plant.”
According to him, the projects were made possible with the assistance of the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, which provided technical expertise and financial support.
In her welcome address, Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Hajia Umma Ahmed said the establishment of the dual PSA Medical Oxygen Plant of over 4,500 cubic meter capacity was a testament to the state’s commitment to closing the medical oxygen gap in its healthcare system.
Hajiya Umma Ahmad also stated that the new plant will ensure a reliable supply of the vital resource, thereby enhancing their capacity to save live and improve patient outcome across the state.
“With the commissioning of this plant, we are not only ensuring a steady and reliable supply of medical oxygen but also enhancing our capacity to respond to emergencies and critical care needs”.
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The Commissioner added that it will provide specialized care for premature babies, those with low birth weight and other medical conditions requiring intensive monitoring and treatment.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
