IHS, UNICEF, others inaugurate solar oxygen plant at Kano Specialist Hospital
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Kano State Government, Canada, and IHS, has inaugurated a solar-powered oxygen plant at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Kano.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla, said that the facility was part of a nationwide project to strengthen oxygen supply across hospitals.
He said that the plant, fitted with an advanced pressure swing absorption system, would provide life-saving interventions for newborns and children with respiratory illnesses.
“The programme has enabled the installation of nine oxygen plants across Nigeria, in Rivers, Bauchi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Yobe, and Kano States,” he said.
According to him, the plants became operational in March 2024 and have since produced more than 103,000 litres of medical oxygen, serving an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 patients monthly.
He said that IHS Nigeria had refurbished the vandalised Digital Park in Kano, describing the oxygen plant project as another testament to the company’s commitment to improving lives.
Earlier, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs Wafaa Sa’eed, commended IHS Nigeria, the Governments of Canada and Norway, and other partners for their support.
She described oxygen as life-saving, adding that the project would greatly benefit children and patients in need of critical care.
“At a time when climate change and high fuel costs are challenges, the solarisation makes it more sustainable,” he said.
The UNICEF official lauded the Kano State Government for its leadership and commitment to health and education, stressing that human capital development remained the foundation of prosperity.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, commended UNICEF and other partners for the gesture.
He restated the commitment of the state government to improving healthcare in the state.
IHS, UNICEF, others inaugurate solar oxygen plant at Kano Specialist Hospital
