Governor Hope Uzodimma has mandated the new Board of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) to position the state as choice destination for medical tourism in the country.
Governor Uzodimma also described health and education as critical sectors that directly impact on the life and well-being of the people.
He said these necessitated the urgent intervention of his administration in the sectors on assumption of office in 2020.
Uzodimma stated this while inaugurating the Boards of IMSUTH and that of Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB).
He added that since the inception of his administration, concerted efforts have been made to restore and revamp the only State owned tertiary hospital, IMSUTH in Orlu, which had hitherto remained comatose.
He expressed delight that the institution can today stand among the league of effective teaching hospitals in the country.
The Governor regretted that about 70% of deaths occurring in the country were preventable, and attributed to poor or lack of health care delivery system, and maintained that “much of such deaths would have been avoided with the presence of good primary, secondary and tertiary health care institutions.”
He revealed that his administration has invested over N4 billion to rehabilitate facilities and procure equipment at the Teaching Hospital, as well as attracted professionals with proven record of local and international medical practice to the institution.
Governor Uzodimma encouraged the Chairman, Board of IMSUTH, Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri and other members comprising Prof Kelechi Uwakwe, Chief Medical Director; Rev.Fr Dr. Emeka Emekaraoha, Anyaehie Okameme, and Dr Osita Kingsley Uzoma to bring their wealth of knowledge and experience in medical practice abroad and replicate same to make Imo the centre for medical tourism.
“This is your own. Help to stop the medical tourism in Imo. Bring back here your wealth of knowledge and experience. Unless we are healthy, there won’t be development,” the Governor stated.
He also called for synergy between the Board and the management of the Institution while noting that the current CMD has enough information that the Board can rely on to work.
The governor also promised that government will support the team to deliver on the assignment given to them.
Speaking to the State Universal Basic Education Board led by Hon Chidiebere Egbo as Chairman, the Governor enjoined them to be prudent and accountable in the management of funds, pledging to publish their monthly reports for Imo people to see.
Other members of the board include Arc. Mrs Amaka Onu, Hon Chuks Metu (Secretary), Hon Vitalis Obioma, Hon Edward Obinna, Mrs Nzeoma Lucy Nkeiru, and Mrs Leticia Amandianeze.
“Your failure is our collective failure; and your success, our collective success. Be wary of those who will tell you it is now your turn, because it is not your turn, but the turn of Imo people. Change the story, rebuild the schools, and go and serve as servants,” he charged.
Dr. Ogueri thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed on him and his members and vouched to do their best to provide the much desired medical services that people seek outside the shores of the country such as complicated surgeries and organ transplant.
For his part, Hon. Egbo commended the efforts of the Governor in ensuring that the status of the education sector in Imo is restored.
He pledged that the Board will align with the vision of the Governor in making polices that will improve the quality of basic education in the state, while also carrying out their task with utmost sense of responsibility.
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