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 those 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, which should be preceded and/or followed with improved screening for hypoxemia".
He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to supporting continuous collaboration in the health sector and encourages 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.
"The successful implementation of the reviewed National Strategy for the Scale-up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities will not only require sustained involvement, input and continuous interface with stakeholders but will address the following; increased sustainable financing for oxygen access, effective planning and strategies to manage oxygen systems, affordable, efficient, and high-quality oxygen procurement and distribution systems, improved clinical administration and technical management of oxygen and improved data, information systems, and monitoring for oxygen access," he said.
In her speech, Director Hospital Service Department Federal Ministry of Health Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas Represented by Dr Deborah Bitrus-Oghoghorie Head Trauma Emergency Disaster Response Division said this strategy is expected to improve the availability of medical oxygen across all health facilities in the country through the provided roadmap.
The National Oxygen Strategy will help us fulfil the blocks of healthcare, especially in the following areas: Improved quality of care; Strengthen and expanded oxygen delivery to the grass root; Properly trained service providers; Expanded infrastructure in the medical oxygen landscape; Prioritized application/utilization of funds; and Improved translation to quality of life for Nigerians.
"To ensure the successful implementation of the Strategy, there is a need for sustained involvement, input and continuous interface with stakeholders at all levels of health care through identification of relevant areas for partnerships and action".
She appreciated WHO, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Oxygen for Life Initiative, UNICEF, FHI 360, Save the Children, USAID, Oxygen Hub, and Air Separation Nig. Ltd, Industrial Medical Gases and every stakeholder that contributed towards the achievement of this feat.
Also speaking, the WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster Lead, Mie Okamusa said the strategy would guide subsequent interventions both at national and subnational levels and would provide a framework for support from partners and development agencies in addressing the various needs in the medical ecosystem in Nigeria.
He assured of WHO's commitment to supporting the country through the provision of normative guidance as well as supporting specific interventions like the provision of Oximeters, ventilators, capacity building of healthcare workers and support staff as well as provision of technical assistance in the review of various policy documents including the strategy document, guidelines, training materials among others.
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