The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has made a significant contribution to healthcare in Ebonyi State by donating essential medical equipment and an ultra-modern mortuary complex to Umuezeoka General Hospital. This initiative is part of NLTF’s commitment to its GOOD CAUSES program, aimed at enhancing health services across Nigeria.
The donation includes a digital ultrasound machine, an X-ray machine, a suction machine, stethoscopes, and a state-of-the-art mortuary complex, all of which were provided following a comprehensive needs assessment initiated by the NLTF in response to a request from the community development association.
The formal handover of the facility was conducted by NLTF Executive Secretary, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, who emphasized the importance of the project in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s vision for improved health and well-being in Nigeria. He stated, “This facility is now yours, and we entrust it to your care as a community. Please ensure proper maintenance and utilization of the equipment. Our staff will monitor usage and condition periodically.”
Adeyanju expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphania Jisalo, for their ongoing support and commitment to national development. He encouraged collaboration among all stakeholders to promote health, social progress, and economic development.
During a courtesy visit to the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the governor expressed his appreciation for the NLTF’s efforts and the timely support provided to the community. He remarked, “The National Lottery Trust Fund’s approach to promoting GOOD CAUSES is truly commendable.”
Dr. Ekuma Moses Ikenna, the state Commissioner for Health, also expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the government’s plans to employ a pathologist for the mortuary and transform it into a reference center for autopsies.
The traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Ofiagwu, thanked NLTF for the mortuary complex, noting that it would greatly benefit the community by providing local access to mortuary services. Dr. Stanley Okafor, Medical Director of Umuezeoka General Hospital, assured that the facility would be used judiciously and called for community support to safeguard it.
The ultra-modern mortuary complex features:
• A mortuary building with fencing for security and dignity.
• A 50kva generator set for uninterrupted power supply.
• A 6-body morgue freezer to enhance storage capacity and reduce health risks.
• A cadaver perfusion table for hygienic procedures.
This donation marks the sixth NLTF GOOD CAUSES intervention project in Ebonyi State, which also includes:
1. Provision of sports equipment to 63 public primary schools.
2. Vital medical equipment to General Hospital, Umuezeoka.
3. Covid-19 test kits and PPEs to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
4. Vital medical equipment to Nneoto PHC/Maternity Home and Eketube-Enyigba PHC.
5. An intensive ambulance to Amanvu-Nkalagu, Ishielu.
6. An X-ray machine to General Hospital, Umuezeoka.
This initiative by the National Lottery Trust Fund is a significant step towards improving healthcare services and facilities in Ebonyi State, reflecting a commitment to the well-being of its residents.
Arowolo Solomon AlabaSpecial Assistant to the Executive Secretary (Media & Corporate Communications)29/09/2024
