RECESSION: OKOWA URGES PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS TO BRACE UP FOR CHALLENGES

AS the effects of recession take tolls on Nigerians, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has charged public health institutions to brace up for health related challenges.

According to Governor Okowa, due to the prevailing economic crunch in the country, most Nigerians would prefer to patronise public health centres which they believe will provide cheaper facilities than private health institutions.

The Governor made the call (15/11/16) when the executive committee of Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba branch led by Dr Okike Clifford paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

“There is no doubt that the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba is of utmost importance to us in Delta State and people living in neighbouring states; you should continue to device means of managing the situation because, with the situation of things in our nation, most people will prefer to patronise the Centre believing that they will get proper attention and affordable services,” the governor said.

He emphasised, “as a public health facility, provide the best services that you can so that our people can remain healthy.”

The governor who assured the officials of MDCAN of his administration’s commitment to support the activities of the health centre to enable them function maximally, disclosed that plans are on to ensure speedy completion of the General Hospital, Asaba to reduce the pressure on the facilities at the FMC.

While commending the management of the FMC for their proactive approach to addressing issues, Governor Okowa observed that the financial situation of the country has greatly, affected effective implementation of budgets at different tiers of government.

Earlier, Dr Okike told the governor that they were in his office to thank his administration for the assistance the Delta State government has been rendering to the FMC and described Governor Okowa as a “Golden Governor who has assisted the FMC in different ways, especially, in the construction of internal roads.”