Mary Slessor Hospital now to be owned by Govt

The Mary Slessor General Hospital, Itu Local Government Area has been formally handed over to the State Government for effective management.

This was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and the Presbyterian Church.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey signed on behalf of the State Government while the Deputy clerk of General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. Rev. Daniel Etim performed on behalf of the church.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey lauded the Presbyterian Church for the initiative in handing over the hospital to the State Government saying that the move would bring quality health care services to people across the State.

Dr. Bassey specifically paid glowing tributes to Mary Slessor for stopping the killing of twins as well as her dominant roles in improving the health conditions of people.  The Commissioner assured that the State Government would coordinate and manage the hospital effectively to bring about the needed benefits and provide concrete health services to the populace. He stated the determination of the Chief Godswill Akpabio’s government to provide access to health care and noted that the twentieth anniversary Hospital under construction is an example.

Rt. Rev. Daniel Etim who spoke on behalf of the church described the event as another feat recorded in the history of the Church saying with the handing over, more productive ventures would be witnessed. He lauded the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio for turning around the health sector in terms of infrastructure, modern equipment and manpower provision noting that such gestures would go a long way in repositioning the sector for more effective services.

In attendance at the event were the Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Health, Elder Essang Bassey and Hospitals Management Board Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan, Medical Superintendent, Mary Slessor Hospital, Dr. Calysus Idio and all directors of the Ministry of Health among others.