Posted by Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt on
In line with its commitment to ensuring qualitative healthcare delivery, the Rivers State Government is spending over N2 billion to transform the state-owned Braithwaite Memorial Hospital in Port Harcourt.
In line with its commitment to ensuring qualitative healthcare delivery, the Rivers State Government is spending over N2 billion to transform the state-owned Braithwaite Memorial Hospital in Port Harcourt.
The state's Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, disclosed this while receiving members of the board of management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, led by the Chairman, Maj.-Gen Emmanuel Abisoye (rtd.), at Government House in the state capital.
Toby said transforming BMH would make it to properly complement UPTH in healthcare delivery.
He also stated that the state government's generosity to the various Federal Government agencies operating in its domain was informed by the need to foster development at all levels in the state.
Toby noted that UNIPORT had continued to enjoy the magnanimity of the administration of Dr. Peter Odili, in view of its belief that majority of the staff were indigenes of the state, with the institution being on its land.
The deputy governor then lauded the appointment of Abisoye, a one-time Minister of Health, expressing optimism that efforts of the board would bring to reality, the desire of the Federal Government towards completing UPTH's permanent site.
Abisoye had earlier stated that plans were in top gear to celebrate the silver jubilee of the hospital on August 27, this year.
The board chairman reiterated that President Olusegun Obasanjo had directed the formal opening of the new UPTH at the end of this year, soliciting the support of the state government and other stakeholders, to enable it complete the teaching hospital on time.
Meanwhile, wife of the state's Deputy Governor, Mrs. Christie Toby, has admonished Nigerians to serve their fatherland with genuine hearts and creative abilities.
Toby, who gave the admonition at Isiokpo, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, said time had come when Nigerians should do their best in ensuring the sustenance of peace and the improvement of the society, rather than involving themselves in anti-social activities.
She added that the government of Dr. Peter Odili had placed so much emphasis on cult and trouble-free society, in view of its belief that the youths deserved to be encouraged to utilise their talents in the service of the nation.
THE PUNCH, August 08, 2005