Uche Alexis|26 August 2017
There was a massive turnout yesterday at the Civic Centre in Obudu LGA of the State where the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong led a team of multi-sectoral delegates to a town hall meeting as the State Government showed its readiness to commence the construction of AYADECARE referral hospitals in the area. The event witnessed the investiture of Her Excellency, Dr. Linda Ayade as the Safe Motherhood Advocate for her outstanding support to inproving maternal and child health indices.
The Honorable Commissioner was accompanied by the DG, CRSPHCDA, Dr Betta Edu, SA to the Governor on Insurance, Chief Goddy Iyala, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Joseph Bassey; the Director of Public Health, Dr Iwara, the Director of PHC, Dr Ana amongst others.
On ground to receive them were prominent sons of Obudu including the Commissioners for Environment, Engr Mike Eraye, and that of Special Duties, Hon Victor Agu. SA to the Governor on Public Affairs, Chief Tony Undiandeye, SA to the Governor on Events, Mr Ken Aklah, HOLGA of Obudu, Raymond Etta JP, and over 30 traditional rulers and titled Chiefs. The team paid a courtesy visit to the paramount Ruler of Obudu LGA HRH Uti John Davis Agba, and disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to get the blessings of the Royal Father whilst appealing for a portion of land within the area where the hospital can be sited. And also intimate the community on the ongoing and incoming Ayade Health Interventions going on in the area.
The Commissioners for Environment and Special Duties who are both indigenes of Obudu took turns to air their gratitude to the Government adding that the Hospital will also provide more employment opportunities for the people of the community and further increase economy of the people whilst ensuring that the people remain healthy.
In his response, His Royal Majesty lauded the idea of building a referral hospital in the area and also disclosed that health and security are the most important responsibilities of any Government.
In his words, 'I assure you of our support in this project and other activities of the government. We are to happy hear this and I want to assure you that my subjects will readily accept what you have given to us. I want to assure you that we shall give our heart and soul to support and give you your expectations.
'We are really very grateful to you and the government that Obudu should be given one of the first opportunities and I want to assure you that we will make good use of it.'
The event also saw the unveiling of the Emergency Transport Service (ETS) by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Pathfinder which is aimed at providing emergency medical transportation especially for pregnant women as the State is working towards reducing maternal mortality which is also a part of the Safe Motherhood Week celebration and the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Result initiative.
Uche Alexis
Is a Health Reporter
