LIBERIA – The Jackson F. Doe Memorial Referral Hospital in Tappita, Nimba County, has officially received a major healthcare boost with the commissioning of a new Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant. On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) marked the occasion in a ceremony that attracted government officials, health experts, international partners, and local authorities.
Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister for Health Services, delivered a speech at the event, highlighting the historical challenges Liberia has faced with oxygen supply. She reflected on how past health crises, particularly the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic, underscored the nation’s inadequate oxygen infrastructure. “In 2020 and 2021, only three plants were functioning, producing 30 to 40 cylinders of oxygen daily—nowhere near what was needed to meet demand,” Dr. Cooper shared. With the commissioning of this new plant, she emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system by making oxygen readily available to patients in need.
This oxygen plant, part of a broader effort to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, is a direct response to the pressing demand for reliable medical oxygen across Liberia. According to Dr. Cooper, the new facility will significantly improve oxygen supply in the region, reducing the logistical challenges that hospitals have previously faced in securing the vital resource. She also noted that the government is working to ensure the sustainability of such facilities by integrating oxygen supply into the national health budget, which would minimize reliance on external donors.
The facility, which was constructed with support from the Global Fund, will help address these critical shortages. Manasse Kassi, the Global Fund’s Portfolio Manager for Western and Central Africa, applauded the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare. “The Global Fund has invested substantial funds in Liberia’s health sector since 2004, and this oxygen plant represents a crucial addition to our ongoing efforts,” Kassi remarked. However, he urged the government to focus on maintaining the facility for long-term success, emphasizing that proper upkeep would be key to its sustainability.
Jackson F. Doe Hospital’s CEO, Dr. Victor Z. Kaizer, welcomed the new facility, describing it as a major step forward in the hospital’s ability to provide adequate care. Previously, the hospital faced significant challenges in securing enough oxygen, often incurring high transportation costs by sourcing it from distant locations like Monrovia and Bong County. “This oxygen plant will be a game-changer for the hospital and surrounding health facilities, improving both the accessibility and affordability of oxygen,” Dr. Kaizer said.
County Health Officer for Nimba, Dr. Ponnie Robertlee Dolo, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the difficulties faced by local health facilities due to the high cost and long distances required to procure oxygen. “This new plant will ease the burden on health workers and improve service delivery across the county,” Dr. Dolo remarked, adding that the integration of oxygen production data into Liberia’s health information system would be crucial for effective distribution.
Plan International Liberia’s Deputy Country Director for Programs, Dr. Ibrahim Kamara, also expressed his support for the project. “This oxygen plant represents a strategic investment that will improve the quality of healthcare in Liberia. It is essential that the government and local health authorities ensure its maintenance,” Dr. Kamara said.
The oxygen produced at the PSA plant will be distributed to hospitals and clinics in the region by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team. Local healthcare workers have already expressed gratitude for the new facility, with Nurse Linda Weah from Jackson F. Doe Hospital noting the relief it would bring in the treatment of critically ill patients. “We have struggled without a steady supply of oxygen, but this plant will save lives,” she said.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with a tour of the new facility, where technical experts demonstrated how the PSA system works to produce high-purity oxygen. This new plant represents a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to improve its healthcare infrastructure, ensure emergency preparedness, and work toward the goal of universal health coverage for all its citizens.
