BY PATRICK MGBODO
THE Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge SAN, yesterday, called for the upgrade of the Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) to a teaching hospital as part of measures to stem the exodus of medical professionals from the country.
HRM Obi Azinge made the appeal to the Delta State Government when he visited the hospital in continuation of his tour around medical facilities within his domain. He commended the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his interventions in the health sector, especially at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, which has led to the rapid transformation of the facility.
HRM Azinge further commended the management and personnel of the hospital for being steadfastly committed, adding a good number of you may have reasons to leave the shores of this country, but you have remained resolutely committed to the healthcare system here and across the country.
‘’So, one major plea I am here to make is to the Delta State Government, and I believe the message will resonate. My plea to the government of the day is to put the machinery in motion to ensure that, in the shortest possible time, Asaba Specialist Hospital is elevated to a teaching hospital.
‘’You have the personnel, you have the facility. You have what it takes, as you are already accredited in many ways. So, what is left is just in the nomenclature. It will help in many ways than one.
‘’It will help in building the capacity of the staff members. It will also help in more employment opportunities and, more importantly, retain the staff because once you migrate into a teaching hospital, the university conditions will apply automatically and so will the retirement age. That way, we will not be losing our best brains easily. This is the kind of thing we look forward to’’ the monarch said.
However, HRM Azinge recognised that the upgrade would be subjected to the crucibles of the legislature and the needed legal instruments for support, a task he put before the member representing Oshimili South State Constituency, Hon Bridget Anyafulu.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Medical Director of ASH, Dr (Mrs) Peace Ighosewe, who briefed the monarch on the progress and challenges of the hospital, called for stronger community partnership.
‘’Your Majesty, this hospital stands as a testament to what is possible when the government, community and traditional authority work hand in hand. We humbly seek your continued support in mobilising our people for early hospital care, health insurance enrolment, and preventive health practices. Together, we can reduce disease burden and strengthen the well-being of our people. ‘’We remain committed to the sacred duty of saving lives, upholding transparency and providing healthcare with compassion and dignity’’ Dr Ighosewe said.
Accompanying HRM Azinge, the member representing the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Ngozi Okolie, commended Dr Ighosewe for her efforts, pledging to partner with the hospital to address some of their needs.
