FG takes over Bayelsa State Outreach Hospital.

(Federal Ministry of Health Report) - "The Nigerian Government has taken over the ownership of an outreach hospital situated at the Federal Medical Centre, Ituoke, Bayelsa State," the Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu (Prof) told participants at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nigerian Government and the Bayelsa State Government on the transfer of a cottage hospital in Ituoke to the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Minister commended the Bayelsa State Government for ensuring that the hospital is completed and commissioned in record time. He also praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his political leadership and uncommon transformation in the health sector, describing him as one of the best leaders that Nigeria has ever had.

While reminding them that the hospital is still located on the soil of Bayelsa State, he appealed to the State Government to collaborate with the Federal Government in nurturing the hospital to ensure that people in the State access quality healthcare services.In his remarks at the occasion, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rear Admiral) commended the President for exemplary leadership, saying the feat which he demonstrated in the heat of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria culminated in the swift containment of the disease.

The Governor stated that the improvement in the health indices of Nigeria is impressive and must be sustained. He also noted that the Federal Ministry of Health has many policies and laudable programmes for the State Government to tap from. While thanking the Health Minister for making the transfer of the cottage hospital to the Federal Government a reality, he assured that the Bayelsa State Government will ensure that activities and services in the hospital are sustained for better welfare to the people.

In the highlight of the occasion, the Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu (Prof) signed the MOU on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Gboribiogha John Jonah(Rear Admiral) signed on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government. The agreement indicated that the taking over of the hospital by the Federal Government will be with effect from January 2015.

Source: fed min. of health