The Kwara State Government has commissioned two new medical oxygen plants to enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen emergency response across hospitals in the state.
The plants, located at the General Hospital Ilorin and the Offa General Hospital, were unveiled on Wednesday as part of the state’s efforts to boost medical infrastructure and reduce dependency on external oxygen supplies.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of healthcare and saving lives, particularly during emergencies such as childbirth complications, respiratory illnesses, and trauma cases.
“These oxygen plants are not just infrastructure they are life-saving investments. With them, our hospitals will be better equipped to handle emergencies and provide efficient care,” the governor said.
He noted that the state had learned valuable lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the need for self-sufficiency in medical oxygen production.
“With this initiative, Kwara is ensuring that no patient in critical condition will suffer due to oxygen shortage,” AbdulRazaq added.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, explained that each plant has the capacity to produce enough oxygen to serve multiple hospitals within its region, improving access to quality medical services across urban and rural areas.
She said the project aligns with the State Health Transformation Plan, which prioritizes improved healthcare infrastructure, better patient outcomes, and equitable access to essential services.
Health workers at the facilities expressed optimism that the new oxygen plants would reduce mortality rates, especially among children and patients requiring intensive care.
Public health analysts have also commended the Kwara government for the initiative, noting that it sets a benchmark for other states to strengthen healthcare resilience.
