By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has appealed to people of the state to remain supportive to programmes of the federal government as well as cooperate with donor agencies working in the state to serve as part of their contribution to benefit from the central government.
The governor who made the appeal, Thursday, in Makurdi,when he commissioned 250KVA solar system donated to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, by office of Vice President Kashim Shettima and the renovated Mental Health Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center at the institution, expressed appreciation to God for touching the heart of the VP to consider Benue for the project, adding that his action has demonstrated love for the state.
He assured that Benue State Government under his watch would continue to prioritize health issues, adding that with the innovative ideas of the new CMD, and revival of the Mental Health Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center among other services introduced,the state would soon become a tourist medical center not just in the North Central but the entire country.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, acknowledged commitment of the governor in the area of health, adding he is the first governor to comply with the Abuja declaration by allocating 15 per cent to the health sector in the 2024 budget proposal as well as commencement of payment of hazard allowance to Benue health workers.
The Health and Human Services Commissioner however, appealed that a Teaching Hospital be also established in zone A since zones C and B had one each to carter for critical health needs of the people.
On his part the Chief Medical Director, CMD, BSUTH, Dr Stephen Hwande, acknowledged efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia in repositioning the health sector, especially the teaching hospital, expressing hope that the 250KVA solar power and the mental health psychosocial rehabilitation center would contribute to improving health condition of the people and commended the Vice President for the gesture.