Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has committed to erecting a new complex at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) to decongest the in-patient ward at the health facility, in furtherance of the government’s support to the federal-owned medical hospital.
The facility is currently being overstretched due to the rising number of Lassa fever and coronavirus (COVID-19) patients in the hospital.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu disclosed this while addressing management and staff of the facility during a visit to the hospital.
Shaibu maintained that though ISTH is a federal government owned medical facility, the Governor Obaseki-led administration is committed to assisting the hospital on account of its location in Edo State and the fact that it has become a centre of excellence in the treatment of viral diseases.
According to him, “You all know that it is the season of Lassa fever, coupled with the current coronavirus pandemic. This time every year, Mr. Governor usually sends me here to see for myself and assess the state of facilities on ground so that the government will know which area to assist and support you.
“We have gone round again and I must confess that my team is satisfied that you are ever ready to combat any kind of viral diseases, no matter the name. This hospital has become a reference point in Nigeria and the world today in the fight against Lassa fever, Ebola and other viral diseases. We have noticed that the wards are chocked up and need to be expanded.
“On behalf of Mr. Governor, who sent me here, the state government is ready to give you a new building so that you can have more space for admission of patients.”
The deputy governor commended the management and staff of the hospital for their professionalism and commitment to duty, assuring that the state government would continue to render necessary support for their selfless service to humanity.
In his remarks, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Sylvanus Okogbenin, lauded the Obaseki-led state government for its support and assistance over the years.
He described the governor’s administration as a formidable partner in progress in its quest at discharging its primary responsibility.
