Connector Articles, Member Spotlight
CHAL Oxygen Plant Now Fully Operational in Liberia
Thanks to support from CCIH and other CHAL partners, a long-held vision became reality for the Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL) in May of this year. CHAL’s medical oxygen plant became fully operational, marking a significant milestone for healthcare access in Liberia. Oxygen refilling services are now available for sale to health facilities, institutions, and the general public across the country. (Top photo announces the new plant and acknowledges partners. Credit: CHAL)
Building that houses the CHAL oxygen refilling plant. Credit: CHAL
Identifying the Need
CHAL first recognized the urgent need for reliable, affordable oxygen during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was observed that there was limited oxygen at the health facilities,” explained Patricia Kamara, Executive Director of CHAL. “This led to facility staff rationing oxygen to patients.”
From Vision to Reality
While CHAL had financial support from Rotary International to procure medical equipment, the funds could not be used for construction. “We had the idea, but implementation was difficult because of the huge cost of establishing the plant,” Mrs. Kamara recalled. The turning point came when a former board member of CHAL helped secure the partnership of the Sinkor District of Monrovia Rotary Club. From there, CHAL mobilized support from diverse partners, including CCIH, the Government of Liberia, the Liberian National Social Security and Welfare Corporation, and Rotary Clubs in Sinkor and Texas (USA).
Patricia Kamara, Executive Director, CHAL and guest on a tour of the newly opened oxygen refilling plant. Credit: CHAL
With contributions from local member health facilities, the CHAL administration, individual CHAL members, and a Small Grant from CCIH, CHAL raised the necessary funds to construct a concrete building to house the plant. Located at the CHAL Drugs Depot Compound in Melekie in Bong County, the facility now produces medical-grade oxygen using Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) systems. Its goal is to supply refilled cylinders to health facilities in seven rural counties: Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, Grand Kru, and Sinoe.
Ensuring Sustainability
The plant is designed with sustainability in mind. “The project was designed to be sustainable, with the members’ unit making maximum use of the facility by purchasing the product,” Mrs. Kamara explained. CHAL contracted the Healthcare Technical Management Biomedical Unit at the Ministry of Health to install and periodically service the equipment. For the first year, the Rotary Club is underwriting operational costs while proceeds from oxygen sales are deposited into a monitored savings account to secure the plant’s future.
Oxygen generator at the CHAL refilling facility. Credit: CHAL
Saving Lives Already
Even in its early months of operation, the plant is proving lifesaving. At Ganta Hospital, oxygen supplies had run out when three patients arrived in critical need. The team at the hospital connected the half tank and rushed to Melekie, which took one hour and thirty minutes, and they were back before the half tank finished. Without the plant, those patients would have faced transfer to Monrovia, more than 250 kilometers away.
The Administrator of Ganta Hospital, Mr. Allen Zomoway, highlighted another important change: “In the past, when referring a critical patient in an ambulance, we had to call for an ambulance with an oxygen connection, but now we don’t have to find an ambulance with oxygen. This helps to shorten the referral time.”
Transforming Rural Healthcare
Reliable access to oxygen is expected to transform healthcare delivery across rural Liberia. “This will help the health facilities in the rural counties to improve care for their patients by readily having oxygen when they receive patients who need it,” said Mrs. Kamara. For families and healthcare providers, that means shorter referrals, fewer delays, and more lives saved.
Air compressor at CHAL Oxygen refilling plant. Credit: CHAL
Leadership and Lessons
For Mrs. Kamara, leading such an ambitious initiative reflects CHAL’s deeper commitment: “Our effort is in providing quality and affordable health care to our people in the rural communities to have a positive outcome.” She offers this advice to other health leaders facing similar challenges with limited resources: “Plan and network with the user, partners, and beneficiaries, reporting on challenges and achievements relating to your targets.”
From its origins in the crisis of COVID-19 to its promise of stronger health systems in Liberia’s rural counties, the CHAL oxygen plant is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and partnership.
One Comment
Growagardenroblox
on September 26, 2025 at 5:05 pm
This inspiring story beautifully showcases community collaboration transforming healthcare in rural Liberia. The dedication and creativity in overcoming challenges to bring life-saving oxygen to patients are truly commendable. Its a powerful reminder of how partnerships can make a profound difference.