Global Fund Executive Director Inaugurates New Oxygen Plant at NIDCH, Bangladesh

In a landmark event at the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Mr. Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, joined distinguished persons from the government, Stop TB Partnership, and UNOPS, to inaugurate the new Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant. This installation marks a major step in strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare infrastructure against respiratory diseases.

The ‘Global Fund Emergency Response for Bangladesh’, led by the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), is enhancing Bangladesh’s healthcare system by building 29 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants. Managed by UNOPS and funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM), the project aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure by providing medical-grade oxygen, improving resilience to emergencies.

Prof. Dr. Ahmedul Kabir, Director General (In Charge) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), served as the Chair of the ceremony. He expressed his optimism about the future of healthcare in Bangladesh. "The PSA plant will not only enhance our treatment capabilities but also serve as a benchmark for future healthcare projects," Prof. Dr. Kabir noted. 

In his keynote address, Mr. Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, praised the advancements made in Bangladesh's healthcare sector. "The establishment of PSA plants in 29 hospitals across Bangladesh marks a significant achievement for the country. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of such initiative" Mr. Sands asserted. "This facility represents the power of partnership and innovation in addressing global health challenges." 

Mr. Charles Rochford Callanan, Director of the South Asia Multi-Country Office for UNOPS, delivered an insightful presentation, including a brief video, showcasing the impactful work being done in the region. "The strong partnership between UNOPS, the Global Fund, and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) is a model for national ownership supported by dedicated & collaborative technical assistance," said Mr. Callanan.

The event concluded with the ceremonial handover of the PSA Oxygen Plant and site to the Director of NIDCH by the UNOPS Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan. This was followed by a photo session and a detailed briefing on the PSA plant's functionality. 

The visit by the Global Fund's Executive Director reaffirms the commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure in Bangladesh. The PSA plant at NIDCH is poised to significantly improve the capacity to treat respiratory diseases, reflecting a successful partnership between the Global Fund, UNOPS, and Bangladesh's health authorities.

For media inquiries, please contact: Musfika Sultana, Communications Focal, UNOPS Bangladesh, musfikaS@unops.org