Borno Government doles out N500million to the UMTH for flood recovery, promises to assist in raising more funds

Borno Government doles out N500million to the UMTH for flood recovery, promises to assist in raising more funds

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor Babagana Zulum has made a contribution of N500m to the post flood recovery efforts of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

Making the donation yesterday during a visit to the UMTH, the Governor said that it was unfortunate that the flood had to cause so much destruction in the capital and the hospital but that will not deter him from ensuring that more funds are raised to assist the management to return to its former footing of excellence.

The Governor who went round the hospital with the Minister of Health Professor Mohammed Parte to see the damaged equipments for himself said that the facility was in his mind and he would do all he can to make sure it continues to take care of his people.

Zulum noted that the growth and development of the health sector in the State cannot be over emphasized, which is why the Borno State govt will continue to assist in whatever way it can to ensure that residents have access to its services.

“We are all affected by the flood. Indeed the hospital belongs to the federal government but there is no distinction between the federal and state concerning this because the beneficiaries are the indigenous people of Borno state of which over 90% use the facility.

” In addition to this, we shall partner together to seek for more funding to the teaching Hospital to ensure it bounces back to its path of continuous progress.

“Indeed, we have never witnessed such phenomenal growth in the hospital before as we have been seeing since you came on board as a result, i want to commend the Chief Medical Director (CMD) for the consistent growth the hospital has been witnessing. However, you just have to be patient with the people and keep on the good work regardless of what happens.”

The Governor noted that some of the machines are very sensitive and understands why some sections of the hospital will have to remain closed until repairs are completed since a lot of repair work must take place before the machines can be put on.

Prof Zulum commended the Minister for the support he has given not only to Borno State but to the health sector in the north east and the entire country.

Responding after touring the facilities affected on the ground floor of the main building, the Minister of health Professor Pate commended the Governor for his contribution of N500m to the rebuilding of the UMTH.

He described it as a significant contribution giving the fact that the state capital was also under water on the 10th of September causing a lot of people to loose their properties and lives.

He assured that the ministry has prioritized the UMTH and will work with the state govt to get resources from anywhere to bring it back to its normal standard.

The Minister commended the CMD Professor Ahmed Ahidjo and his team also for their dedication to duties and assured that his ministry will do more as time goes on to increase the tempo of development in the water damaged facility.

The Governor and the minister went round the various damaged facilities before expressing their views to newsmen.

Borno Government doles out N500million to the UMTH for flood recovery, promises to assist in raising more funds