The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken over the ownership of an outreach hospital situated at the Federal Medical Centre, Ituoke, Bayelsa State.
This was made known on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Health, Prof.C.O.Onyebuchi Chukwu at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federal Government and the Bayelsa State Government for the transfer of a cottage hospital in Ituoke to the Federal Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister commended the Bayelsa State Government for ensuring that the hospital was completed and commissioned in record time.
He eulogised President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his political leadership and his uncommon transformation in the health sector describing him as one of the best leaders Nigeria ever had.
While reminding them that the hospital remains on the soil of Bayelsa State, he appealed to the State Government to collaborate with the Federal Government in the nurturing of the hospital to ensure that people in the State access quality health care services.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon.Henry Seriake Dikson who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah commended Mr. President for the exemplary leadership he demonstrated in the heat of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria which culminated in the swift containment of the disease.
The Governor expressed optimism with the improvement in the health indices of Nigeria describing it as impressive which must be sustained.
He noted that the Federal Ministry of Health has lot policies and laudable programmes which the State Government will tap from.
While thanking the Honourable Minister for making the transfer of the cottage hospital to the Federal Government a reality, he assured that the Government of Bayelsa will leave no stone unturned to making ensure that activities and services in the hospital are sustained for the betterment of the people.
Honourable Minister of Health, Prof.C.O.Onyebuchi Chukwu signed on behalf of the Federal Government while the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah signed on behalf of the State Government.
Taking over of the hospital by the Federal Government is with effect from January 2015.
