First Lady inaugurates state-of-the-art  Oxygen Plant for EFSTH

According to officials, EFSTH Oxygen Plant project comes into fruition through the Africa Infrastructure Relief and Support (AIRS) in collaboration with several global health care organisations, and made possible through a grant to the Society for Critical Care Medicine from Direct Relief and implemented by the Institute of Global Perioperative Care (IGPC).

Speaking on the occasion, First Lady Fatoumata Bah Barrow expressed her delight at overseeing the unveiling of such a project that will revolutionise healthcare delivery in the country.

She said the installation of an oxygen plant for the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital is a historic development that will boost healthcare services for the nation's main referral hospital.

"This groundbreaking facility, which we are here to tour today, represents more than just a technological advancement; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of innovation and collaboration,” the First Lady stated. “Designed to generate and circulate medical oxygen directly to patients’ bedsides through wall-mounted outlets, this plant will drastically improve the level of care provided at EFSTH, ensuring that our patients receive the life-saving oxygen they need with the utmost efficiency and reliability."

She added: "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Africa Infrastructure Relief and Support (AIRS) project, which, in collaboration with several global healthcare organizations, has made this groundbreaking facility a reality. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to improving healthcare in The Gambia are truly commendable.This project was made possible through the generous grant from the Society for Critical Medicine from Direct Relief Organisation."

The First Lady commended the EFSTH for being at the forefront of health delivery services in the country provided to the populace, hinting that the support provided by partners will  pave the way for a brighter future for people of the country through the various impacts the oxygen plant will provide.  

Madam Bah Barrow also disclosed that the installation of the oxygen plant symbolises a significant step forward in ongoing efforts to enhance quality health care services in the country, adding that the oxygen plant is not only a piece of equipment but also a lifeline for patients visiting the EFSTH that will bring comfort to those in distress, restore hope to those in despair, and, most importantly, save countless lives.

In his closing remarks, Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research Science and Technology deputising for the Minister of Health, Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, recalled the challenges confronted by the health sector during the Covid-19 pandemic in accessing adequate oxygen for the teeming number of patients administered at the EFSTH.

He said that the installation of the oxygen plant would arrest the challenges and provide adequate oxygen to the patients without much hassle and trouble for patients visiting the EFSTH.

According to him, the newly installed oxygen plant is one of its kind in the sub-region that is environmentally friendly with less dependence on NAWEC, adding that the burden of lifting and carrying heavy oxygen cylinders is also a thing of the past, as oxygen pipes have been fitted on the walls and directly linked to the patients’ beds.

Professor Pierre Gomez said the oxygen plant is a project of hope meant to restore lives and resolve challenges encountered at the hospitals, adding that it is the wish of President Adama Barrow that quality health care services are delivered to the Gambian people as depicted by the numerous interventions embarked upon by the health ministry across the country.

For her part, Ambassador Ericka Bennett commended the First Lady for taking the lead in ensuring the needs of Gambian patients are fully addressed, saying the continuous support of the Fatoumata Bah Barrow Foundation in the health sector is a testimony of the commitment of the First Lady in restoring hope and health well being of the Gambian people.

She also commended all the sponsors and partners who made the project possible, while thanking the Ministry of Health and officials of the EFSTH for their continuous effort in delivering quality health care services to Gambians and non-Gambians in the country.