Gov. Alia vows to make Benue medical tourists destination

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia of  Benue State has promised to make the State Teaching Hospital a medical tourist centre in the country.

Alia made the pledge during the commissioning of 250 KVA generator donated by office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the renovated mental health psychosocial Rehabilitation center at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).

He said the hospital under the new managemt is going through unimaginable transformation.

He also added there will be increase in number of primary Health Care centers in the State in line with the recent MOU signed between the President and the Governors, adding that government is working hard to ensure return of doctors as well as improvement in their remuneration.

He however, urged medical practitioners in the State to check quackery by remaining professional in the discharge of their duties, while dispelling report of outbreak of COVID-19 in the State.

“We will continue to be good collaborators with the Federal Governemnt and development partners in enhancing health care delivery in the State”, Alia promised.

Also speaking, Chief Medical Director, BSUTH, Dr. Stephen Hwande lauded the Governor for allotting 15 percent to the health sector which is the WHO requirement.

Hwande disclosed that the hospital spends 12 million monthly on energy, saying the 250KVA generator will go a long way to help save energy.

While decrying the high level of drug addiction and mental issue in Benue, he assured that psychosocial Rehabilitation center will cater for it.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Marcellinus Ortese lauded the Governor for considering the establishment of tertiary hospital in zone c axis to cater for people of that area who often travel to the State capital Makurdi to access medical care.

The Commissioner also assured that the hospital within one year will be the best in North Central State.

On his part, Chairman Joint Health Workers Staff Union (JOHESU), Benjamin Chenge made a passionate appeal to the Governor to pay the 21 months hazard allowance as well as consolidated health structure owed them.