The Ebonyi State Government has commenced a multi-stakeholder engagement aimed at developing a sustainable medical oxygen economy and strengthening oxygen security across healthcare facilities in the state.
The engagement, held in Abakaliki, was declared open by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who was represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, GCEHF.
The strategic summit was supported and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), United Kingdom, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh.
Speaking at the event, Governor Nwifuru described medical oxygen as more than a clinical consumable, stressing that it is a critical, life-saving utility and an essential component of an effective healthcare system.
He said his administration’s commitment to healthcare transformation remained a key component of the People’s Charter of Needs, noting that the government had continued to invest in upgrading primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare infrastructure across the state.
According to him, efforts are also being made to expand medical equipment coverage in general hospitals and strengthen rural health centres to promote equitable access to quality healthcare for residents.
The governor said a thorough assessment of oxygen supply chains, infrastructure and other existing bottlenecks would help the state develop a resilient system capable of ensuring reliable oxygen supply to healthcare facilities.
He further called for stronger public-private partnerships and sustained collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers and development partners to improve the medical oxygen ecosystem in Ebonyi.
Governor Nwifuru expressed appreciation to the NIHR and the University of Edinburgh for their support, assuring participants that the state government was prepared to consider and implement practical recommendations arising from the engagement.
The event brought together government officials, health policymakers, medical experts, heads of tertiary health institutions, international research organisations, private healthcare providers and civil society groups.
Among those in attendance were the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma; Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Sabinus Nwibo; Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Dr. Divine Igwe; Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Prof. Jesse Uneke; and Chief Medical Director of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Prof. Robinson Onoh.
The Chief Medical Director of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu (DUFUTH), as well as representatives of international research bodies, private healthcare providers and civil society organisations, also participated in the engagement.
