Lions club to construct multi-million naira diabetes treatment centre in Cross River

Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi, NLCF District Governor Lions District 404A2, laying the foundation the block for Diabetes Screening and Treatment Center at General Hospital Ogoja

PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –

In an effort to amelorate the suffering of diabetes patient, Lions Club International District 404 A2 Nigeria has flagged off the construction of an Ultra-Modern Diabetes Screening and Treatment Centre at the General Hospital in Ogoja local government Area.

The one hundred- and fifty-million-naira worth facility is expected to serve people in the Northern district of cross River State

Addressing newsmen at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the facility, the Lion District Governor, Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi, said the need to improve the quality of life of the people informed the construction of the project.

“This event is particularly significant because it marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of Lions Club International, District 404A2, Nigeria.

“I salute every Lion Leader and stakeholder here present to witness the beauty of service towards improving our communities and humanity.

“Studies have shown that on the average, 40 people die everyday from diabetes related ailments in Nigeria.

“This informed the need for this facility which will cater for the health needs of people in surrounding communities while providing a point of care for screening and treatment to help avert the looming numbers recorded nationwide.

“Underprivileged families in these communities can confidently walk into a modern facility without the fear of huge financial cost to seek screening and help in diabetes related ailments.

“This will in effect encourage a drop in the prevalent death records due to diabetes related issues.

“Our investment here will help ensure that the people of Ogoja and Nigeria at large will have the health infrastructure that meets international standards to efficiently prosecute diabetes related concerns and other medical issues connected to it”.

She noted that their investment in strengthening Nigeria’s health system would go considerably beyond just constructing buildings, noting that as they build and equip.

She also stressed that Lions Clubs is also working closely with federal, state and local governments to improve the quality of life and general wellbeing of its citizens across its six thematic areas of focus.

These areas she said are hunger, environment, youth empowerment, vision, pediatric cancer advocacy as well as diabetes.

She said part of their program and intervention also focuses on policy formulation, national health care systems that give equal opportunity to all man as well as a safe society for all.

Also speaking, Betta Edu, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, said they are proud of what Lions Club International District 404 A2 Nigeria is doing in Ogoja as it is now becoming a new centre of excellence.

According to him, the government will support the project and provide staff as hundreds and thousands of lives will be saved by this centre.

Janet Ekpenyong, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency said the project is a high impact project, laudable and pledged her commitment to ensure the project is completed.

Ben Ajogbor, the Medical superintendent in charge of Ogoja General Hospital said the hospital which was set up in 1913 has been transformed and the diabetes centre will boost healthcare delivery.

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