In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the well-being of children and their families, the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has received a generous donation from UNICEF in the form of cutting-edge oxygen-generating plants and associated equipment. The initiative, made possible through funding from Canada, involved the procurement and installation of four major oxygen plants, collectively valued at LKR 800 million.
Strategically positioned at Avissawella, Kegalle, Thissamaharama, and Udugama base hospitals, these oxygen plants will play a pivotal role in generating and distributing life-saving oxygen. The reach extends to 30 additional health facilities scattered across the nation, ensuring a more comprehensive and efficient healthcare response, particularly in times of emergencies.
A formal handover ceremony took place at Udugama base hospital in the Galle district, where the Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, officially received the vital equipment from Mr. Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, and Mr. Eric Walsh, High Commissioner for Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
This project, with an estimated impact on over three million people, aligns with UNICEF's broader mission to fortify the health system. The focus is on guaranteeing a consistent supply of oxygen to maternal and childcare facilities, critically important during emergency situations.
Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka, emphasized the life-or-death significance of timely access to essential health services for children and families. He highlighted how the integrated system facilitated by UNICEF's assistance ensures a continuous supply of medical oxygen, offering crucial support for in-patient care and emergency medical treatments. This includes assistance for newborns and mothers during complex childbirth, as well as children suffering from conditions like pneumonia.
Each of the four oxygen plants boasts an impressive capability to produce 20,000 liters of oxygen per hour, filling fifty 50-liter cylinders in a 24-hour span. Additionally, UNICEF's support includes the installation of power generators, ensuring the functionality of the oxygen plants even in the event of power outages.
UNICEF's longstanding collaboration with the Ministry of Health, bolstered by contributions from various partners, reflects a sustained commitment to enhancing the quality of health services for children nationwide, particularly in times of crisis.
