… Says Investment Will Not Be Wasted
The governor of Cross River state, Senator Bassey Otu, a former governor of the state, and a chieftain of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Liyel Imoke, yesterday jointly commissioned a private medical centre in the state.
The facility named Jennifer Etuh medical centre, was built in Ochon community, Obubra local government of Cross River state by a philanthropist, Mr. Thomas Etuh, in loving memory of his late wife, Jennifer.
NationalCompass reports that the event which attracted dignitaries in the health sector across Nigeria including the Chief Medical Director, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme, featured free medical outreaches to the masses.
In his address at the event, the governor, represented by the state’s commissioner for health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, expressed delight over the project, noting that it will complement the state’s policy thrust in the health sector.
He assured that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that the project and the vision of the initiator, Mr. Thomas Etuh, succeeds.
The governor, while justifying the increased budgetary allocation to the health sector in the state due its importance, disclosed that his administration will maximize the medical facility for the betterment of the masses.
He said modalities will be put in place to guarantee prompt referral services from other health centres in the adjoining communities to the facility as well as coopting her into the state’s health insurance policy scheme.
According to the governor, “This is a wonderful project and innovation which must be encouraged. We would maximize and capitalize on this for the betterment of our people.
“This investment will not be wasted. It will be incorporated into the state’s health policy direction; even the state health insurance policy.”
In his goodwill message, the former governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, described the medical centre as a “world class health facility” which will no doubt bring succor to the masses.
He urged the locals to take ownership of the project, adding that government cannot do it alone.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme, extolled the virtues of the project’s initiator, Mr. Thomas Etuh, noting that the project had indeed brought light to the people of Ochon and its adjoining communities.
He disclosed that the UCTH will give the medical centre the needed support in order to succeed.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman of Jennifer Etuh Foundation, and the project initiator, Mr. Thomas Etuh, said the project was initiated in fulfillment of one of the last wishes of his late wife, Jennifer.
According to him, Jennifer, during her final moments appealed for the establishment of some health facilities across the six (6) geo-political zones across Nigeria, inorder to cater for the health need of the masses.
“In the face of adversity, Jennifer, during her final moments provided clear instructions concerning her investments. Through the tireless efforts of the Jennifer Etuh (JEF), we are steadfastly realizing and executing her heartfelt mission.
“Reflecting on the instructions bestowed by my late wife from her hospital bed, envisioning the establishment of medical facilities and vocational centre in selected communities across our nation’s geopolitical zones, we extend profound thanks to the Almighty.
“Four out of the six envisioned projects have been accomplished, commissioned and have become operational within a remarkable six month interval; in the last two years is a testament to God’s unwavering guidance, provision, grace and sustenance”, he stated in part.
Checks by NationalCompass indicated that the well-equipped medical centre comprises of residential quarters for both medical doctors and nurses, a pharmacy, private wards, security post, mortuary among other features.
