September 19, (THEWILL) – The Lions Club International District 404 A2 Nigeria has flagged off the construction of an Ultra-Modern Diabetes Screening and Treatment Centre at the General Hospital in Ogoja, Cross River State.
The N150 million facility is expected to serve residents of the northern district of Cross River, adjourning states and some communities in Cameroon. It will be fully equipped and also provided with an ambulance.
Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the facility, the District Governor Lions District 404 A2, Lion Lady Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi said the need to improve the quality of lives of the people informed the construction of the project.
“Studies have shown that on the average, 40 people die every day from diabetes related ailments in Nigeria.
“This informed the need for this facility, which will cater to the health needs of those living in surrounding communities, while providing a point of care for screening and treatment to help avert the looming numbers recorded nationwide.
She said,“Lessprivileged families in these communities can confidently walk into a modern facility without the fear of huge financial cost to seek screening and help in diabetes related ailments.
“This will in effect encourage a drop in the prevalent death records due to diabetes related issues.
“Our investment here will help ensure that the people of Ogoja and Nigeria at large will have the health infrastructure that meets international standards to efficiently treat diabetes-related concerns and other medical issues connected to it.”
She added that their investment in strengthening Nigeria’s health system go considerably beyond just constructing buildings as they build and equip.
She stressed that Lions Clubs International, District 404A2 Nigeria, is also working closely with federal, state and local governments to improve the quality of life and general well-being of its citizens across its six thematic areas of focus.
Also speaking, Dr Betta Edu, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health said they are proud of what Lions Club International District 404 A2 Nigeria is doing in Ogoja, as it is now becoming a new centre of excellence.
She said the government would support the project and provide staff as hundreds and thousands of lives will be saved by this centre.
On her part, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, described the project as high-impact and laudable and pledged her commitment to ensure that it is completed.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
