The Federal Ministry of Health has given a major infrastructural boost to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, with the deployment of a 60-kilowatt solar energy system, a move that marks a turning point in the hospital’s long struggle with chronic power shortages and unsustainable operational costs.

The intervention, part of the Federal Government’s nationwide effort to strengthen public health institutions, is expected to significantly reduce diesel expenses and improve service delivery in one of Nigeria’s busiest federal hospitals.

Speaking to journalists in Asaba while marking his first 100 days in office, the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC Asaba, Dr Omo Ekeneam, described the solar installation as “a timely lifeline” that has already transformed critical sections of the hospital.

“Before I came on board, we had a serious power challenge.”

Generators were aging, diesel costs were high, and we were unsustainably spending scarce government resources,” Ekeneam said.

He disclosed that the 60-kilowatt solar system, donated by the Federal Ministry of Health, now powers the General Outpatient Department (GOPD), National Health Insurance Clinic, and Laboratory, the hospital’s busiest units, providing uninterrupted electricity.

He said additionally the hospital management procured a 10-kilowatt inverter system for the administrative block to ensure stable power for the hospital’s data servers and electronic medical records.

Ekeneam also announced that FMC Asaba is set to be connected to the BEDC 33KVA power line, a project initiated under the previous administration but delayed due to metering complications.

Beyond the power upgrade, the acting CMD highlighted the revival of the hospital’s oxygen plant, a crucial facility that had previously been grounded, forcing the hospital to rely on oxygen supplies from Warri.

“That was a major safety risk. So, we fast-tracked the repairs using original parts, and as we speak, our oxygen plant is fully operational. We now produce oxygen not only for FMC Asaba but also for other hospitals in need”, Ekeneam said.

Underlining his administration’s emphasis on accountability and patient-centered care, Ekeneam said the hospital welcomes feedback from patients and the media to improve service quality.

Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, which ended in September, Ekeneam reaffirmed his commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s four-point reform framework.

“Our focus aligns with the ministry’s goals of improving governance, population health outcomes, the healthcare value chain, and health security for all Nigerians,” he said.

Having previously served nearly three years as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (SEMAC), Ekeneam said his familiarity with FMC Asaba’s structure and challenges has allowed him to “hit the ground running” in pursuit of operational excellence.