RISING TO THE CHALLENGE, DELIVERING OXYGEN TO SAVE LIVES
Medical oxygen is an indispensable element of the health system, vital for treating a wide range of medical conditions and foundational for establishing a respiratory care program. Recognizing its critical importance, the County Government of Nandi embarked on a transformative journey to strengthen the county’s health infrastructure by enhancing the capacity of the health workforce and bolstering the oxygen ecosystem which has yielded remarkable results ultimately ensuring that oxygen therapy is administered efficiently and effectively in both Kapsabet County Referral and Nandi Hills County Hospitals.
The basic aim behind establishing PSA Oxygen Generation Plants at Government hospitals is to further strengthen the public health system and ensure that each of these hospitals has a captive oxygen generation facility. Such an in-house captive oxygen generation facilities would address the day to day medical oxygen needs of these hospitals and the county at large.
The active involvement and ownership demonstrated by the County Government of Nandi has undoubtedly contributed to the project’s remarkable achievements. By prioritizing capacity-building and fostering a conducive environment for collaboration, the county has played a pivotal role in enhancing oxygen management capacities and ultimately, improving health outcomes for the people of Nandi. 
The County Government of Nandi continues to strengthen the oxygen eco-system by supporting the implementation of establishment of oxygen sites in Kabiyet, Mosoriot, Meteitei, Kaptumo Sub County Hospitals. Plans are also underway for Serem and Kemeloi Health Center projects. In partnership with JHPIEGO, the county has offered technical assistance on oxygen use, and through training of health professionals in evidence-use of oxygen.
JHPIEGO and the County Department of Health have been collaborating to ensure the long-term sustainability of new medical oxygen equipment.
In a collaborative effort, JHPIEGO organized an oxygen plants sustainability sensitization meeting today to share best practices, lessons learned, and expert insights for a strong oxygen ecosystem in Nandi.
Speaking at the meeting,the Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Fredrick Kiptum said that “Elevating healthcare calls for a proactive, comprehensive approach to managing medical oxygen equipment, involving collaboration, substantial investments, and a focus on the entire equipment lifecycle for lasting impact and sustainability. This requires a change of mindset from simply procuring equipment to managing it over its life cycle.”
Also Present at the meeting were County Director for Health Dr David Bungei, County Health Management Team among other senior health officials.