(DDM) – The federal government has commissioned a state-of-the-art intensive care unit (ICU), maternity complex, and oxygen plant at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC) in Ebonyi State.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, officially inaugurated the facilities on Tuesday, praising the management team of NOFIC for their effective transformation of the hospital.
She noted that NOFIC, as Nigeria’s first obstetric fistula centre, has saved countless lives of women and others since its establishment.
“I’m impressed with what I saw in the hospital, the facilities and infrastructure. Ebonyi has grown past other states in terms of equipment and facilities. I charge you people for service delivery and treat patients with utmost care,” Kachollom stated.
Dr. Johnson Akuma Obuna, the medical director of NOFIC, said the new ICU complex and oxygen plant were established to fulfill the hospital’s key mandates, including fistula prevention, manpower development, and provision of free treatment services.
He highlighted that the maternity complex was fully funded, while the oxygen plant is fully operational, producing about 96 cylinders of 40 cubic centimetres each day.
The oxygen produced is not only used within NOFIC but also supplied to neighbouring hospitals, generating revenue for the centre. The supply will also be piped to all wards to enhance patient care.
Obuna further appealed to the federal government for an intervention fund to re-asphalt the hospital premises, noting that the current road infrastructure has deteriorated.
The new facilities mark a significant milestone in improving maternal healthcare and critical care services in Ebonyi State. The ICU and oxygen plant are expected to enhance emergency response, surgical outcomes, and overall patient safety.
Healthcare experts have welcomed the development, highlighting that access to oxygen and advanced ICU care is critical for managing maternal and neonatal complications, particularly in obstetric fistula cases.
This federal investment in NOFIC complements other nationwide initiatives aimed at strengthening health infrastructure and ensuring that specialised care reaches vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
The commissioning of these facilities is set to improve service delivery, bolster staff morale, and expand NOFIC’s capacity to train medical personnel in advanced maternal and surgical care.
In summary, the newly unveiled NOFIC facilities include:
A fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
A modern maternity complex
An oxygen plant producing 96 cylinders per day
Piped oxygen supply to all wards and neighbouring hospitals
Facilities supporting free treatment, manpower development, and fistula prevention
These developments reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to improving maternal health and critical care, positioning Ebonyi State as a model for other regions seeking to enhance specialised healthcare services.
