By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Executive Secretary (ES), Benue State Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Dr. Matthew Onojah has disclosed that the board has purchased six brand new X-ray equipment worth over N400 million as part of efforts to equip General Hospitals in the state.
The ES disclosed this while interacting with newsmen in his office at the board’s headquarters in Makurdi, the State capital.
Dr. Onojah, who revealed his achievements to include decrease in taxes of civil servants in the board, prompt payment of salaries and arrears of 12 months as well as increase in salaries, also explained that the six X-ray machines were shared among General Hospitals in Vandeikya, Katsina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, Okpoga and Oju Local Governments Areas (LGAs).
The ES, who mentioned provision of 50kv solar power panel at General Hospital Katsina-Ala and 20kv solar power panel at Gboko General Hospital, also as part of his achievements, decried the level of retrogression at General Hospital Wannune, explaining that it was due to frequent fire incidents there in 2022.
Dr. Onojah lamented the effect of insecurity, saying it was the major challenge facing the board’s management, but expressed satisfaction that all the General Hospitals in the state’s 23 LGAs have been renovated and well equipped for effective service delivery by the Gov. Hyacinth Alia administration in the state.
He called for Private-Public-Partnership, emphasizing that the administration has zero tolerance for absenteeism, lateness and sharp practices.
“We ensure motivation of staff through staff welfare, monthly training and retraining of staff as well as being apt in service delivery,” he noted.
Identifying low power supply, high cost of governance and management as well as shortage of manpower as part the board’s challenges, the ES expressed joy that the State government has allocated 15% of its budget to health issues in the state.
He thanked Gov. Alia for finding him worthy to be made the board’s ES, promising that he would do all to ensure quality healthcare delivery to people of the state.
