By Merit Ibe
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has disclosed that its recent supply of oxygen concentrators and patient monitors to medical institutions across the country gulped about $600,000.
The authority made the disclosure during the formal handover of the medical equipment which included 126 units of patient monitors and 63 units of oxygen concentrators to 21 healthcare institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
At the virtual handover ceremony, the Managing Director, NSIA, Mr. Uche Orji, said the Authority expects that the supply of these equipment, which is part of its COVID -19 relief programme, will help in alleviating the inventory gaps in the hospitals.
With the nation’s economy still in recovery, Orji said the Board was of the view that there was the need to add to the stock of critical medical equipment required for the containment of the virus in Nigeria.
The NSIA boss said the supply of oxygen concentrators and patient monitors is expected to boost government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the virus.
NSIA had invested over $20 million in establishing three ultramodern healthcare centres of excellence in the country. Recently, up to $5.5 million was invested in the establishment of the ultra-modern medical diagnostic centre which is located within the premises of the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia state.
NSIA funded the construction of its diagnostic centres, including the acquisition and installation of modern laboratory and radiology equipment which will aid the provision of comprehensive diagnostics for the delivery of the highest quality of services.
It would also help to provide high quality training opportunities for local professionals.
On her part, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed said the invasion of the COVID -19 has opened new supporting opportunities for innovative industries to succeed.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is placing a focus on greater investment in the healthcare sector and working to ensure increased access to safe, high quality service for every Nigerian.”
She added that “investment in healthcare is critical to a thriving economy as a healthy people are an enabler for productivity,” saying the administration will continue to adjust the 2021 budget to enable the healthcare sector and acquire vaccines.
“we are glad that you have understood the principle of investment. Investing in health is also supporting the economy.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, lamented that the pandemic has had huge negative impact on the global community disrupting health care systems.