The Ebonyi Government says that it has established three oxygen producing plants within the two years of Gov Francis Nwifuru in office.
Dr Moses Ekuma, State Commissioner for Health told journalists in Abakaliki that the oxygen plants were sited at various locations in the three senatorial districts of the state.
He explained that the oxygen plants were established with the assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Commissioner said the aim was to tackle health emergency cases at the various health facilities in the state, the South-East zone and Nigeria at large.
“It was also part of our moves to improve qualitative healthcare for the citizens.
“When we came on board, we discovered that our health personnel were sourcing for oxygen from Port Harcourt, Rivers, then we spoke with the UNICEF on the issue and that request was approved.
“We have one at the Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Owutu-Edda General Hospital, Edda Local Government Area (LGA) and Onueke General Hospital, Ezza-South LGA,” he said.
Ekuma said that within the two years, the state government also procured ambulances for emergency services.
“The ambulance emergency service became necessary to help the pregnant women in terms of labour and some other emergencies like dog or snake bites among others.
“The victims can access the ambulance services free of charge within 48 hours,” he added.
On manpower, Ekuma noted that over 600 health personnel were employed into the state health worker force, including the medical doctors, nurses and midwives.
“Not only that we employ them, we also improved on their allowances; cars and comfortable accommodations were provided to motivate and encourage them to remain in service.
“This is also to reduce search for greener pasture among doctors. The governor gave SUV cars to doctors and place the least salaries at N500, 000 per a month.
“All the health facilities have been upgraded because the governor wants the best for his people. We have facilities, where the midwives are being trained and over 100 midwives have benefited from it.
“So, we have a governor that have his people at heart,” the Commissioner stated.