National Policy on Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities
Policy · Health
A Policy addresses the availability, quality, and delivery of medical oxygen in Nigerian health facilities by establishing standards for equipment and training. It targets hospitals, biomedical engineers, administrators, and suppliers to ensure reliable systems. This provides essential oxygen for treating patients with respiratory needs.
National Policy on Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities
What Is This Policy?
A policy that addresses the availability, quality, and delivery of medical oxygen in Nigerian health facilities, recognizing oxygen as an essential medicine critical for treating pneumonia, surgical patients, and other conditions requiring respiratory support.
Who Does It Target?
Hospitals and health facilities at all levels Biomedical engineers and oxygen equipment technicians Health facility administrators and procurement officers Medical oxygen suppliers and manufacturers
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure that every health facility in Nigeria has reliable access to quality medical oxygen for patient care, delivered through appropriate technologies and supported by trained personnel.
Key Features
Oxygen as Essential Medicine: Recognition of medical oxygen on Nigeria's Essential Medicines List Technology Options: Guidance on oxygen concentrators, cylinder systems, and on-site production plants Quality Standards: Purity requirements, equipment maintenance protocols, and safety standards Training: Health worker education on oxygen therapy, equipment operation, and patient monitoring Supply Chain: Strategies for sustainable procurement and distribution of oxygen across the health system
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active with accelerated implementation following the COVID-19 pandemic Coverage: All health facilities providing inpatient and emergency services Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Health Partners: WHO, PATH, Clinton Health Access Initiative, development partners
How to Access
Health facilities access oxygen supplies through government procurement systems and approved vendors. Facilities budget for oxygen equipment and consumables through their annual plans State ministries of health coordinate bulk procurement and distribution Partner organizations provide technical assistance for oxygen system installation and maintenance
Official Resources
Website: health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja
Legal Framework
Operates under the National Health Act 2014, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 1993, and the National Drug Policy. Draws on WHO technical specifications and guidance on medical oxygen as an essential medicine, the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health, and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework.