The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) in 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for collaboration between the government and mission hospitals in training of more health professionals for effective healthcare delivery in the country.
Mr. Obi stated this when he visited Annunciation Special Hospital, Enugu, where he donated N75,000.000.00 to the Daughters of Divine Love (DDL), owners of the hospital for the construction of its proposed college of nursing sciences and to tackle other critical areas of need.
While presenting the cheques to the management of the hospital, the former Anambra State Governor explained that the donation comprised $50,000 which was donated by a New York-based pediatrician, Professor Philip Ozuah, and his own personal donation of N15,000,000.00 totalling N75,000,000.00.
Mr. Obi said that part of the challenges comfronting the healthcare sector in country is the growing trend of the exodus of healthcare workers who seek greener pastures in other countries due to poor working conditions in Nigeria.
He however noted that the government could reverse the trend by collaborating with establishments like the Daughters of Divine Love who are committed to serving humanity in the areas of healthcare delivery and education.
“The donation is part of my own way of appreciating what the establishment is doing to build a better society and to serve humanity,” he said.
Speaking further, Mr. Obi said “they have given us a target on when to start this school, my job is to see that the school commences on the day they want to start it.”
Responding, the Superior General of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Love, Mary Dike, said that the management would ensure that the fund was judiciously used as part of its own service to humanity.
“With the donation, we will commence the construction as soon as possible. It is when you are healthy that you can do anything, including serving your God with your whole being.” Sis. Dike remarked.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
