Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, yesterday, inaugurated a mission hospital remodeled at the cost of N300 million in Ihe community, Awgu Local Government Area.
The hospital was remodeled by members of Ihe Development Initiative, IDI, a group of entrepreneurs, academics and servicemen from the community.
The hospital was established in 1976 by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu through the assistance of the traditional ruler, late Dennis Nwachukwu but now managed by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu.
Speaking at the event, Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Emmanuel Obi, said the project aligns with his administration’s plan to bring healthcare delivery closer to people in rural areas.
According to the governor, “It is a thing of honour to see how IDI and Ihe community have joined in supporting the innovative push of his administration with the developmental project.
“It is very commendable because it aligns with the policies of the Enugu State government, which include a move to push the poverty index of the state to zero.
“What they have done is to refurbish and bring a new face to healthcare delivery to Ihe and its environs.”
He, however, called for stronger partnership between the community and Catholic Diocese of Awgu to sustain the facelift of the hospital.
“Since it is a mission hospital, we will partner them when they write officially to us,” he said.
The Bishop of the diocese, Most Reverend John Okoye also expressed happiness with the intervention by IDI in transforming the hospital to serve humanity better.
“I say congratulations to them and I encourage them to look into other areas where people suffer to provide help.”
He pledged to look into the hospital being understaffed as observed, adding that the diocese would partner the community to sustain it by providing the needed manpower.
The cleric urged members of the community and its environs to keep patronising the hospital for better healthcare delivery.
Also speaking, chairman of the event, Air Commodore Chiemeka Ozoemena (rtd) lauded the team work in transforming the hospital.
Earlier, the President, Ihe Development Initiative, Dr Madueke Ekoh said they engaged in the remodeling of the hospital to help their people and make their lives better.
He said before the intervention, it was a ghost area, completely dilapidated with non- functional facilities.
He explained that IDI would set up a Hospital Endowment Fund where people can donate to sustain the hospital.
Highlights of the event include bestowing of awards to distinguished members of the community, presentation of cash gifts to students of the community who excelled in their studies and others. (NAN)
