UPTH assures on oxygen supply, decries energy crisis

The Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof Datonye Alasia, has assured that the hospital can generate sufficient oxygen through two Pressure Swing Adoption Oxygen (PSA) plants.

He spoke on the heels of recent reports of inadequate oxygen supply in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He said the PSA plants, which can produce over 50 cylinders of oxygen within a 12-hour cycle have significantly improved oxygen supply.

Additionally, he said the hospital has enhanced oxygen distribution to the bedside, completing a Federal Government-funded project to reticulate oxygen and eliminate the need for fixed cylinders by bedside.

Alasia told The Guardian during a facility tour that four new oxygen manifolds have been added to the existing four, bringing the total manifolds to eight.

He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services, ensuring a reliable oxygen supply to meet patient needs.

He said the hospital embarked on a project to integrate a piped oxygen supply system, replacing traditional cylinders, to enhance patient care and safety.

According to him, the upgrade targets 107 beds across four wards, including the pediatric unit, internal medicine and intensive care unit.

He explained that the new system allows for oxygen to be delivered directly to beds through pipes, eliminating the need for cylinders near patients, saying the innovation improves safety and reduces the risk of accidents.

Speaking on the challenges faced by the hospital, Alasia noted that Nigeria’s energy crisis is affecting hospitals, adding that despite being classified as Band A customers, entitled to 20 hours of power supply from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, the hospital often reverts to diesel generators due to inadequate supply.

He said the inadequate supply has resulted in exorbitant energy costs, with hospitals spending up to N100 million monthly on energy alone.

Alasia said the high cost of diesel and the limited ability to pass on costs to patients makes it difficult for hospitals to cope.

To address this challenge, he said, the hospital is exploring alternative energy sources, including solar energy and renewable energy grids. He said the “Energize Nigeria” project, which aims to provide sustainable energy solutions to the University of Port Harcourt and the hospital, offers hope for a more stable energy future.