ICRC hands over PHC it built to Benue Govt

By Our Reporter 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday handed over a health facility it built at Ayem community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA), Benue to the state government. 

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Benue, Prof. Joseph Ngbea who received the facility on behalf of the state government, applauded ICRC for the gesture, stressing that its immense support to the state was deeply appreciated.

Ngbea assured that the state government would sustain her partnership with ICRC to enable her continue to provide succour to the people of the state in diverse ways.

He further disclosed that Gov. Samuel Ortom was committed to the growth and development of the health sector in the state, emphasizing that he had released huge sums of money for the renovation of the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in the state. 

He particularly mentioned that the governor had released over N500 million for the renovation and purchase of machines at the Benue State University Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi.

"Some of the machines have started arriving and they will soon be put to use for the overall good of the people," Ngbea said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Sub-delegation of ICRC in Jos, Mr Jean-Paul De Passos, said that the initiative was borne out of the fact that people in the area were facing a lot of health challenges.

De Passos disclosed that the gesture was aimed at addressing the health challenges of victims of armed violence.

"The ICRC has completed the construction of the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) and will hand over today, Oct.12 to the state government.

"The centre has eight rooms for all key units including a waiting area, consultation rooms, a dispensary, a laboratory, a delivery room, four bedded ward, a store and toilets.

"The centre is also equipped with solar system to allow the staff to efficiently operate at night and during power outages," De Passos said.

Also, the Executive Secretary, PHC Board, Mrs Grace Wende, pledged that they would protect the facility and put it to judicious use.

Earlier, the Chairman, Guma LGA, Mr Michael Ubah and the Kindred Head of Mbanyiar, Chief Oliver Chado, appreciated ICRC for the laudable project, adding that it would go a long way to assist in curtailing the health challenges occasioned by humanitarian crisis in the area.