Western Highlands PHA first to operate Pressure Swing Adsorption oxygen plant in PNG

The Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen plant facility located on the Mt Hagen Hospital grounds (Image: WHPHA)

The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority [WHPHA] has become the first PHA in the country to operate a Pressure Swing Adsorption [PSA] oxygen plant.

This facility will enable oxygen to be produced safely on site at medical quality standards with higher production capacity.

This oxygen plant will also address the growing needs of patients requiring oxygen.

The milestone achievement was commissioned by Dr Dora Lenturut Katal, acting Deputy Secretary of National Health Standards and Compliance, at the Mt Hagen Hospital grounds last week.

Dr. Lenturut commended the Marape-Rosso government for recognizing the importance of making this life-saving health commodity readily available to patients at the point of care, which is vital for optimal patient outcomes.

Dr Dora Lenturut Katal-the Acting Deputy Secretary of National Health Standards and Compliance visits the interior of the Plant, accompanied by hospital staff, delegations and guests (Image: WHPHA)

"The Mt Hagen PSA plant is the first of six plants in the country to receive regulatory clearance and a manufacturing license. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless commitment, time, and resources from every team player,” Dr. Lenturut stated."The Mt Hagen PSA plant is the first of six plants in the country to receive regulatory clearance and a manufacturing license. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless commitment, time, and resources from every team player,” Dr. Lenturut stated.

Sr. Janet Yamu, acting Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing Services at the WHPHA, commended the PHA board, staff, and management for their teamwork and this significant accomplishment.

She said the daily oxygen usage is approximately 35 cylinders, and the new plant will provide WHPHA with an alternative supply source.

"This will reduce dependency on external suppliers, lower oxygen costs, allow us to support patients at home that need oxygen and ultimately save lives.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us valuable lessons about preparedness. With our own oxygen plant onsite, we can ensure that we are ready to meet future challenges and provide for the oxygen needs of our patients,” Sr. Yamu added.

“We may have our plans but without our funders support we would not have this special plant on site ready for use.

“Key accomplishments include the elimination of cervical cancer, with WHPHA leading the nation by screening nearly 70 percent of women since May 2022.

We have screened over 24,000 women for the HPV virus, identifying 20 percent who tested positive and received treatment. Nearly 10,000 girls have been vaccinated”.

Sr. Yamu said that the WHPHA also supported other Provinces to establish their own cancer screening services, as well as other achievements, including the successful implementation of the oxygen plant.