SAN FRANCISCO, February 11, (THEWILL) –Determined to make healthcare delivery accessible and affordable to the people Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke Wednesday inaugurated a 60-bed fully equipped General Hospital in Ukem, Odukpani Local Government Area.
The inauguration was part of the activities for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally which held in Odukpani Local Government Area.
The hospital which is one of the 18 General Hospitals spread across the 18 councils areas was conceived alongside 1,009 health posts to bring healthcare delivery to the door steps of the rural dwellers.
Earlier, when the team visited members of the Odukpani Traditional Rulers Council on consultation, Chairman of the council and Paramount Ruler of Odukpani, His Royal Majesty, Asakara Ekanem Ita Ekanem Umoh, described Governor Imoke as humble, amiable, unassuming and a master tactician in the act of good governance.
He said despite the state’s lean resources, the governor has been able to weather the storm by showing shrewd management of the economy.
The monarch said: “We applaud all the good works put in place over the years. Those who have ears have heard, those who have eyes have also seen what he has done across the length and breadth of this state, the landmark achievements, especially in the area of infrastructural development.
“Let me use this medium to plead with his successor to see to the sustainability as well as ensure that he improves on these laudable initiatives that have impacted positively on the socio-economic landscape of the state.”
On the General Hospital, the people of Odukpani described the facility as monumental, saying it will go a long way in alleviating their health care challenges, thereby reducing maternal mortality rate in the area.
The Paramount Ruler who couldn’t hide his joy after enumerating the developmental projects executed in the area, said: “I dare say that Odukpani is PDP stronghold and I assure you that we will mobilise to deliver 100 percent to the party in the March 28 and April 11 general elections to continue their good works.”
He, however, appealed to the state government to prevail on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the boundary crises with communities in neighbouring states, even as he called for the full implementation of the 2004 National Boundary Commission land demarcation exercise.
While thanking the Government for accepting to review upward their monthly stipends which, he noted, was long overdue, Umoh pledged their unalloyed loyalty to the incoming government and advised their subjects not to be deceived by anybody pitching tents outside the PDP, saying PDP still has so much in stock to offer Odukpani people.
Governor Imoke assured the people that the incoming administration would consolidate on the gains already recorded by his administration. He urged them not to derail but remain united and vote for PDP so as to continue to enjoy the goodies.
PDP Governorship candidate, Prof. Ben Ayade, who harped on harnessing the huge natural endowments in the area with the training of requisite manpower, said he has a task to sustain the good works as well as break new grounds for better services to the people.
