Boost as Ojaamong launches Sh15m Busia oxygen plant

The health sector in Busia received a major boost over the weekend when Governor Sospeter Ojaamong  commissioned two major projects worth Sh28 million.

They include the biggest Oxygen manufacturing plant in Western region worth Sh15 million at Busia Referral Hospital and a Sh13 million state-of-the-art 30-bed male ward at the Kocholiya Sub-County Hospital in Teso North Constituency.

Speaking at the referral hospital, Ojaamong said the Oxygen plant will supply gas to wards, theatre, maternity and Intensive Care Unit.

Consequently, there will be adequate oxygen supply to help save lives of patients undergoing major surgeries unlike previous years when the facility did not have the equipment.

Ojaamong, who was flanked by his deputy Moses Mulomi and Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Dr Isaac Omeri, emphasised that the plant will ease Sh3 million financial burden to patients with critical conditions in need of oxygen.

The plant is also expected to help cut down on the cost of purchasing oxygen.

The hospital  has been spending about 40 cylinders of oxygen, an equivalent of Sh240,000 monthly.

Ojaamong said he had  made attempts to explain to the  health workers the real situation and the need to return to work.

Lasting solution

 He appealed to the multi-agency team handling the current crisis at the mational level to find a lasting solution to the frequent strikes that have continued to disrupt health care services, especially in counties.  

“My government has done its part based on the available finances,” said the Governor.

Speaking after launching the Sh13 million facility funded by the World Bank through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme, Ojaamong said he is committed to ensuring residents receive quality healthcare services.

  His remarks were echoed by Mulomi who said the new ward, which is fully equipped, will be of great help to the community.

Dr Omeri said the Kocholia Hospital will receive additional doctors to boost service delivery.