The Paramount Ruler of Obanliku Local Government Area, HRM, Uchua Amos Item has commended Governor Bassey Otu for his swift action in approving the redeployment and re-engagement of more critical health workers in his LGA’s General Hospital, after the loss of a pregnant woman in labour and her unborn child a few weeks ago.
The Royal Father gave the commendation, recently, when he received the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk and his team, in his palace, while on a tour of the General Hospital, Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area.
Speaking further, Uchua Item said though the issues of manpower and infrastructure deficit in the State cannot be overemphasised, the Otu-led administration’s urgent reaction to the health situation in Obanliku lends credence to its commitment towards improving the health sector of the State.
“I want to thank the Governor for his intervention in the health situation in Obanliku. The sad incident that occurred here weeks ago could happen anywhere else. The additional personnel redeployed and re-engaged to assist the services in the facility was a testament to the present administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of Cross Rivererians and residents of the State,” the Monarch applauded.
In his response, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk thanked the Paramount Ruler and the people of Obanliku for rising to douse the situation that occurred penultimate week, while the government expedited action to better health services and facilities in the hospital, as well as health facilities across the State.
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Ayuk maintained that although it was unfortunate to lose a life seeking medical attention, the sad incident had become a necessary evil that prompted the government’s speedy intervention in the health sector of the State.
He informed that a medical doctor had been redeployed to support the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Austin Oshie, who has been working round the clock in providing services to the people of Obanliku. He added that part of his inspection visit was also to interface with retired nurses and midwives who were finalising their re-engagement procedures back in the hospital, with five of them approved for the facility.
The Commissioner sought the continuous support of the people for health workers and the facility, noting that the present administration is making concerted efforts to reposition the sector which is paramount to every other sector of the State and its citizens.
Ayuk added that the re-engagement of retired personnel would cushion the existing manpower gap and also serve as a springboard for knowledge transfer to potential employees who would be coming on board in no distant time.
The Health Commissioner directed his Ministry’s Director of Medical Services, Dr Stephen Agbor and Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Mary Ingio, to leave no stone unturned in finalising plans for the employment of staff in the health sector of the State.
In a related development, the Health Commissioner also inspected facilities in the hospital and met with staff, with the reassurance of equipment overhaul and improved conditions of service for personnel.
He beckoned on the people to support the administration of Governor Otu as one who feels their pulse and is ready to create a positive impression in the lives of the governed.