NLNG’s donation of neonatal ward and ICU to FMC Asaba will reduce infant mortality – FG

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziag Salako, has said that the support of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to donate a magnificent neonatal ward and intensive care unit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, is key to achieving a reduction in infant mortality.

Salako stated this while commissioning the upgraded and fully equipped neonatal ward and intensive care unit donated to the FMC, Asaba, by the NLNG’s Health Support Programme (HSP), Thursday.

He described the facility as another milestone in the quest to provide quality healthcare services in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Salako, who was represented by Jimoh Salaudeen, director, Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed that out of the twelve Federal University Teaching Hospitals across all six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to benefit from the NLNG post-COVID-19 HSP, nine hospitals had already been transformed, from Yenagoa to Uyo, Abuja to Kano, with upgrades in obstetrics, NICUs, occupational therapy, and even neuromodulation rehab centres, with FMC, Asaba joining the list.

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Philip Mshelbila, the managing director (MD) of NLNG, represented by Sophia Horsefall, general manager, External Relations, who officially handed the facility over to Victor Osituma, chief medical director (CMD) of FMC, Asaba, spoke on the transformative upgraded facilities.

The NICU have recovery rooms, specialised care and prep spaces, a nurses’ station, a waiting lounge, automated doors, and more. Everything is designed for better care, faster response and safer outcomes, he said.

He said that the facilities would greatly help in saving lives, especially the most vulnerable newborns and critically ill infants.

“The investment could not be more timely. “According to the World Bank, Nigeria accounts for 20 percent of global maternal and child deaths – a sobering reality that requires urgent attention. The NLNG HSP is a response to that call: translating concern to tangible outcomes.”

He said that the upgraded facilities affirmed the transformative impact of the NLNG-sponsored HSP, as the FMC Asaba is now better positioned to deliver care with improved tools, quicker response times, and better outcomes for the youngest and most fragile patients.

Victor Osituma, medical director of FMC Asaba, who gave the facilities’ overview, said the neonatal wards and intensive care unit was rebuilt and piped with oxygen, to make sure oxygen is delivered to every baby, whether in a cot or in an incubator.

Osiatuma said the facilities, designed with 60 KVA inverter system to ensure sustainability, were equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including mechanical ventilating equipment, X-ray machines.

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Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba, represented by Patrick Ndili, a palace chief, commended the sponsor of the Neonatal Wards and Intensive Care Unit, saying that it would benefit Asaba Indigenes and environs.

Also, Mary Idele-Alile, a medical doctor and Chairman, FMC Board, amongst others, applauded the initiative of the HSP, saying it has continued to improve health infrastructure across the country.

The Hospital Support Initiative is one of several programmes of the NLNG aimed at transforming the state of health facilities in all parts of the country, as the company keeps intervening in any facet that could make it live up to its vision of being a globally competitive energy company, improving lives sustainably.

Featured also, was a tour and inspection of the facilities by the representative of the Minister of Health and social welfare alongside the management team of the NLNG, FMC management and other dignitaries.