FG Takes Over Bayelsa Cottage Hospital; to be Upgraded to a Teaching Hospital
The Bayelsa owned Cottage hospital at Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of the State, has been taken over by the Federal Government.
Announcing the takeover at a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) signing ceremony at the Bayelsa House in Abuja, the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, hinted that, the Otuoke cottage hospital will eventually serve as the University Teaching Hospital for the Federal University, Otuoke.
He explained that, with the formal takeover, facilities, personnel and other services will be upgraded and improved upon to meet the new challenges as well as serve the citizenry better.
“President Jonathan's dream is that this hospital will be the Medical school for the University of Otueke and we are effectively setting the stage for that here Today.
The Signing of the MOU shows that both sides agree that it was voluntary. We would set up a team to ensure that the transfer is done efficiently”
The Health Minister was, however, quick to request the Bayelsa Government to sustain the payment of salaries of the staff of the hospital, until the passage of the 2015 Federal Government budget, assuring that, the amount spent on the salaries will be refunded to the State Government in due course.
“The Bayelsa Government should continue to support the Hospital in spite of the fact, that it is now owned by the Federal Government, but be assured that my Ministry will refund the money back to the State Government”
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson commended the Minister for his professionalism and commitment to duty, which have greatly transformed the nation's health sector, stressing that, the State will constantly collaborate with the ministry to benefit from the various policies, that have been put in a place to ensure effective health care delivery at the State level.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, noted with satisfaction, the decision of the Federal Government to take over the hospital, adding that, it will go a long way in complementing current efforts by the State Government to put world class health facilities in place for its people.
“There are lots of policies that the State Government can tap from the Federal Government, so we are happy with this collaboration, which will surely benefit our people a great deal”
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ayibatonye Owei, who also witnessed the ceremony, noted that, the State Governor has remained passionate about the health of the people, a situation that has informed the several initiatives by the Government in ensuring that, health care is brought to the people.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
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