Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has pledged the readiness of his administration to maintain a robust synergy with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with a view ensuring quality healthcare delivery services in the state.
Senator Otu gave the assurance when he received the Head of field office, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,UNHCR Calabar, Mr. Mohammed Nafion and his team in Calabar.
Governor Bassey Otu who was represented by the deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey lauded UNHCR Calabar field office for their humane contributions to health care sector in the state.
According to him" I am particularly impressed by your enduring commitment towards improving the well-being of our people through strategic intervention in terms of equipment and capacity building.
This huge gesture is highly commendable."
"As government, we will do everything necessary on our part to sustain this partnership for mutual benefits in the overall interest of our people by creating an enabling environment for such collaborations to thrive in the state".
Speaking earlier, the Head of Field Office, Mr. Mohammed expressed delight over the warmth reception despite the impromptu request noting that the reception the willingness of the present to improve existing relationship for mutual benefits.
He revealed that the visit was meant to thank the government of the state government for relentless support towards UNHCR activities in the state and to formally flag-off the distribution of oxygen concentration machines for those with medical challenge arising from breathing dificulty.
Also speaking,the Protection Associate, UNHCR Calabar, Mr. Richard Effiong said" besides working with refugees, the bulk of our work in Cross River State has been in health care sector ranging from provision of medical equipment,renovation of health centers to the building of a guest house for the nurses in remote areas such as Oban and Ekong Anaku in Akamkpa Local Government Area".
In his remarks ,the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, expressed satisfaction with the standard of model medical facilities and quality of healthcare provided by UNHCR, across the state describing it as a reflection of the noble intention of UNHCR for the state.
He assured that the oxygen concentration machines donated will be promptly distributed for use by health care centers in need.
The UNHCR team was accompanied by Dr. Enoch Asuquo, Technical Office, Nigerian Red Cross Society, and Mr. Raleigh Williams, Protection Officer, Caritas Nigeria, Calabar office.
By Ekanem Asuquo, The Beagle News
