Dr Temitope Ilori, (3rd left) NACA DG
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has described the 10,000-litre oxygen plant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) as the most comprehensive in the South-South region.
The facility, donated under the Global Fund COVID-19 RM grant, includes over 400 cylinders, humidifiers, concentrators, and pulse oximeters to support emergency and critical care services.
Dr Temitope Ilori, NACA Director-General, inspected the facility in Calabar and highlighted that the grant aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems post-COVID-19.
She noted additional PSA oxygen plants in Ogoja and Ikom, with UCTH being a key beneficiary. The project includes five-year warranties, maintenance contracts, and spare parts to ensure sustainability.
UCTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, said the plant operates under a revolving fund model, with revenue used for maintenance and oxygen refills.
The hospital now meets its own oxygen needs while supplying other facilities. He noted that critical care delivery has significantly improved, with reliable, high-grade oxygen available to ICUs, Pediatric ICUs, neonatal units, and emergency theatres.
The DG emphasised that continued success requires strong state ownership, skilled manpower, and ongoing operational support. At the same time, collaboration between NACA, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Cross River Government remains crucial.
