The Ministry of Health (MoH) has taken action to enhance the healthcare infrastructure at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, Ghana.
As a crucial step in this initiative, the MoH has approved the allocation of an oxygen generation plant to the facility.
This cutting-edge plant, often referred to as a giant pressure swing absorption plant, boasts an impressive capacity to generate 80 normal meter cubes of medical-grade oxygen per hour.
The deployment of this plant is a proactive measure aimed at preventing a recurrence of the tragic oxygen cylinder explosion that tragically occurred just last week at the hospital, resulting in the untimely demise of a dedicated security officer.
In a bid to swiftly implement this life-saving solution, a contracted construction team has already conducted a thorough assessment of the hospital’s premises.
Their visit was a critical step in ensuring the optimal placement and setup of the oxygen generation plant. It is anticipated that the construction and installation process will commence in the coming month.
During the ceremony marking the official commissioning and transfer of a versatile Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a mother’s hostel to the management of the Eastern Regional Hospital, a significant announcement was made.
Nana Owiredu Wadie I, the Nkosuohene of Kwahu – Nkwatia, presided over the event, and representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Ebo Hammond, the Director of HASS – GHS, delivered a speech.
Dr. Ebo Hammond emphasized that the introduction of the oxygen plant would comprehensively address the hospital’s oxygen requirements. This essential addition ensures that the Eastern Regional Hospital can provide vital oxygen support, reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of patients and enhancing healthcare services.
“Respiratory care for newborns with health challenges will mostly require oxygen therapy,” he said. “And so this is why I am happy to announce that the honourable minister of health working in consent with the director general of the Ghana Health Service has allocated a giant pressure swing absorption plant popularly called oxygen generating plant with the capacity of producing 80 normal meter cube per hour of medical grid oxygen.”
“And I am happy to inform you that the contractor just visited the hospital today and hopefully by next month they will start the construction and installation,” he stated.