Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has extolled the Catholic Church for complementing the efforts of the state government in healthcare delivery by setting up a specialist hospital to cater for the health of the citizens.
Dr Ikpeazu who made the commendation during the official opening ceremony of Mercy Specialist Hospital, Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy, Ahiaeke Ndume, Umuahia acknowledged that many hospitals built in various parts of the state in particular and the nation in general are eloquent testimony of the Church’s involvement in enhancing the quality of life of the people.
He stated that the hospital would go a long way in assisting the government to realize its dream and tackling the health challenge of Abians disclosing that his administration since inception has accorded healthcare delivery top priority as one of its five cardinal pillars.
The governor represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko chukwu assured the Catholic church that she would reciprocate their efforts of not leaving every thing in the hands of government but will partner her in provision of certain infrastructures like roads, electricity and social amenities.
The governor lauded the Catholic bishop of Umuahia , His Grace, Lucius Ugorji for his encouragement and support to the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy in realizing the project within the stipulated time in addition to dedicating their lives to the service of God.
In his remarks, the state commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahukanna represented by Director, Medical services, Dr. Jamike Enwereji assured that government would do all that’s necessary to make the hospital functional and urged them not to hesitate in seeking for government intervention in areas of need.
Similarly, the Senator representing the Abia central senatorial zone, Chief T.A. Orji and the member representing Umuahia central in the state House of Assembly, Engr. Chinedum Orji who were both represented by former T. C Chairman, Umuahia North, Alhaji Suleiman Ukandu lauded the Catholic church for their interest in health sector and noted that the specialist hospital would go a long way to help government address the health needs of Abians due to importance it attaches to health.
In her address, the Matron of the hospital, Rev (Sis) Mary Cordelia Ihekoronye went on memory lane about the idea behind the project but thanked God that it has seen the light of the day.
Rev Ihekoronye said that it was their effort to complement government that the hospital was established to cater for the health needs of Abians.
She further stated that the specialist hospital was fully equipped with laboratory services, radiology, cardiology surgery, cancer Screening and Treatment, Gynecology, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis among others and thanked those who supported them in realizing the project while calling on government and well to do in the society to help them equip the hospital adequately.
Earlier in his speech, the chairman on the occasion and a major donor to the realization of the project, Dr. Edward said he was moved by the passion of DMMMM in providing healthcare services, hence his decision to partner with them and urged people to avail themselves of the efficient health services of the well equipped hospital
