Fiji has strengthened its healthcare system by opening its first Oxygen Plant at Bluegas – Petroleum & Gas Company (Fiji) Limited in Vuda Marina, marking an important step towards producing its own medical-grade oxygen.
The development promises a consistent, cost-effective, and sustainable source of oxygen, an essential resource that proved critically scarce during recent public health crises.
Minister for Health, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu hailed the establishment of the plant as a transformative achievement for the nation.
He stressed that oxygen is crucial for medical care, especially for patients on ventilators and those suffering from severe respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Dr Lalabalavu recalled the difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Fiji had to depend on imported oxygen to meet urgent medical needs.
He says this facility is a major step towards ensuring a consistent, cost-effective, and sustainable supply of medical-grade oxygen within Fiji.
The Minister adds that the plant strengthens Fiji’s capacity to respond more effectively to future medical emergencies and reinforces the government’s broader commitment to improving the health and well-being of all citizens.
Bluegas Chairman, Hari Punja shared the personal inspiration behind the project, revealing that the idea for the oxygen plant originated at home when his wife struggled to source gas cylinders.
He says her idea inspired what has now grown into an important project for the country.
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