The ‘Global Fund Emergency Response for Bangladesh’, in collaboration with the government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has launched a three-day training programme for the newly recruited staff operating the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants.
The event, started on Tuesday, is a key step in preparing Bangladesh's healthcare facilities to tackle future health crises by strengthening the oxygen therapy capacity within the country.
This project, 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 constructing 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 and improving resilience to emergencies.
Under the project, 29 nationwide hospitals are receiving newly constructed PSA oxygen plants which are providing medical-grade oxygen on-site, essential equipment, and strengthened power solutions.
The training includes both theoretical and practical components covering plant construction, equipment operation, safety protocols, and hands-on on-site experience.
The participants will be equipped with critical skills to operationalize and maintain the PSA plants, ensuring long-term sustainability of the project, said the UN agency dedicated to implementing humanitarian and development projects.
Dr Sheikh Daud Adnan, Line Director, CDC, and Director of Disease Control, DGHS said this initiative is a transformative step in enhancing our healthcare system's capacity to respond to critical emergencies. “By equipping 29 hospitals with the capacity to generate oxygen on-site, we safeguard our future and strengthen our national healthcare infrastructure,” he said.
Dr Adnan recognised the invaluable contributions of UNOPS, the Global Fund, and partners in implementing this project.
“To the trainees, you are leading this mission. The skills you gain will enable you to operate these plants effectively, ensuring they are always ready to save lives. Your dedication is vital to the long-term success of this initiative, and I trust in your ability to uphold this responsibility,” he highlighted.
Infiyaz Hyder, Project Manager, UNOPS Bangladesh, said, "Our mission is not only to construct PSA plants but to ensure their long-term sustainability through comprehensive capacity building training for dedicated staff and site operators.”
“Together with the government of Bangladesh, we are enhancing the ability of hospitals to respond rapidly and effectively to medical emergencies, saving lives in the process,” he said.