Lions International Boost Healthcare Delivery In Cross River, Renovates Over 35 Bed Pediatrics Ward At UCTH

By Judex OKORO

Lions International ( Multiple District 404 Nigeria) has inaugurated over a 35-bed pediatrics oncology ward to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH ) to boost healthcare delivery.

The renovated pediatrics oncology ward was carried out under the Lion's Club International Foundation (LCIF) Program.

Lions is the third organisation after NorthWest and LNG to build more infrastructures in the hospital.

Speaking while inaugurating the project at UCTH, the wife of Cross River State Governor, Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, commended the Foundation for its kind gesture.

Mrs Otu, represented by the Director General , PHCDA, Mrs Vivian Otu, added that their service to humanity has not only created a conducive environment for patients, it has also provided accommodation for those that will use the facility including caregivers who would enjoy the serenity the place provides.

Mrs Otu, represented by the Director General , PHCDA, Mrs Vivian Otu, urged Mrs. Otu enjoined other corporate bodies, humanitarian organisations, and good spirited individuals to emulate Lions international by reaching out to the needy in the society.

He said: "I've witnessed patients come here in pain and stay in a shabby environment. I want to thank Lion's international for this huge and important gesture.

"Even if a child is dying of cancer , they should pass peacefully and not in pain, their gesture has given our children hope to live longer.

"The doctors and other care givers working in the ward now have a better and conducive environment to work in and deliver their best because this kind of facility is state of the arts as obtainable in developed climes," she said.

Earlier in her remarks, the Project Chairperson, PCC Eld. Obo Edet, said the organisation stands for service , explaining that they had looked around the identity areas that needed their interventions.

"We thought it wise to reconstructed and renovate the pediatrics oncology ward at UCTH all in a bid to put smiles on the faces of children and make thiercstay their better , which is not only dear to me, but to Lions international.

"What we stand for is service . Before now, we looked round on the project to carry , and I decided to go in on peadrtics cancer , to put smiles on the faces of children.

"I wrote to the international office and they approved it everything else is history , I'm happy to hand over the keys, and im certain that this will touch the lives of children," she said.

On his part, the Chief Medical Director CMD, Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme commended the Foundation for the wonderful gesture which he said aligns with the hospitals vision and philosophy of making sure the ambience is good for both patient and staff.

According to Ikpeme : "This renovation and furnishing of the pediatrics oncology ward is important to us , we seek good ambiance for our staff and good accommodation for our patients, it is our philosophy.

"We started with equipment supplies when we came in, and we have moved to infrastructure development , which we have also gone far with , but more work needs to be done in terms of upgrading our infrastructures.

"We wrote to different organizations for support, Northwest oil and gas responded , NLNG also came through , and today the Lion's Club is one of those who have also responded in a big way, we deeply appreciate their magnanimity.

"We are calling on other stakeholders, including the state government, to make their presence in the hospital visible, we will appreciate their support as well as those from the cooperate world ," Ikpeme said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the event, Prof Emmanuel Ekanem, commended the government for finding one of them to head Primarily Health Care Development Agency.

He said: "There has been the need to create an ambience for our children and nurses and doctors to enjoy life while in the hospital.

"We thank the Lions for creating and renovating the children ward to give them a sense of belonging as well as creat an environment suitable for everybody.

"We can now work with some kind of comfort and joy in our environment. You have some just well comparable with what you can see in any party of the world. You have shown friendship to the children for renovating the oncology ward.

"We hope God would reward you and enjoy other organisations to emulate the Lions and come over and help us," he stated.