Sierra Leone is poised to significantly enhance its healthcare capabilities with the establishment of a $50 million oxygen factory, thanks to a Turkish company that plans to commence operations soon.

The factory will be situated on a four-acre site in Kerry Town, near Waterloo in the Western Rural District.

The initiative involves the installation of both gas and liquid oxygen production plants, which will operate under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) technical agreement.

This arrangement is designed to ensure efficient management and operation, thereby guaranteeing a steady supply of oxygen for medical and industrial use.

According to informed sources, this project is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs for local residents, providing valuable training and skill development opportunities that will benefit the community at large.

The establishment of the oxygen factory is expected to have a profound positive impact on Sierra Leone’s economy, fostering growth and development in various sectors.

Facilitated by a Lebanese national in collaboration with the Embassy of Malta in Freetown, the project has garnered strong support from the Ministry of Health, which is committed to ensuring the swift commencement of operations.

Health officials emphasize the critical role this factory will play in bolstering healthcare delivery, especially in emergency and critical care situations.

Ambassador Solomon Gembeh, currently serving as the Commissioner of the National Communications Authority (NaTCA) and a former High Commissioner to Nigeria, is reportedly playing a crucial role in advancing the project’s objectives.

His involvement, along with the support from the government, underscores the significance of this venture for national development.

While discussions about the oxygen factory began during the previous administration, progress was stalled. However, the reputation of the Turkish company, known for its successful track record in similar projects in Sierra Leone, provides a reassuring foundation for the implementation of this vital initiative.

As Sierra Leone prepares to launch this oxygen factory, the government and its partners remain optimistic about the transformative benefits it will bring to the nation’s healthcare system and overall economy.