Why we are building a Diabetes Screening, Treatment Centre in C’River – Lions Club Governor

[From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar]

District Governor of Lions District 404 A2, Lion Lady Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi PMJF, NLCF says said the need to improve the quality of life of the people informed the construction of a diabetes screening and treatment centre in Ogoja, Cross River State.

The district governor made this known at the Ogoga General Hospital while flagging off the construction of the multi million naira facility.

Lion Lynda said the facility which will be fully equipped and also provided an ambulance will meet international standards.

“I salute every Lion Leader and stakeholder here present to witness the beauty of service towards improving our communities and humanity.

 “Studies have shown that on the average, 40 people die everyday from diabetes related ailments in Nigeria.

 “This informed the need for this facility which will after for the health needs of this in surrounding communities while providing a point of care for screening and treatment to help avert the looming numbers recorded nationwide.

 “Underprivileged families in these communities can confidently walk into a modern facility without the fear of huge financial cost to seek screening and help in  diabetes related ailments.

“This will in effect encourage a drop in the prevalent death records due to diabetes related issues.

 “Our investment here will help ensure that the people of Ogoja and Nigeria at large will have the health infrastructure that meets international standards to efficiently prosecute diabetes related concerns and other medical issues connected to it”.

She stressed that Lions Clubs International, District 404A2 Nigeria is also working closely with federal, state and local governments to improve the quality of life and general wellbeing of its citizens across its six thematic areas of focus.

These areas she said are hunger, environment, youth empowerment, vision, pediatric cancer advocacy as well as diabetes.

She said part of their program and intervention also focuses on policy formulation, national health care systems that give equal opportunity to all man as well as a safe society for all.

The event was graced by the Cross River State Health Commissioner, Dr. Betta Edu as well as the DG Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong.

Also speaking, Dr. Betta Edu, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health said they are proud of what Lions Club International District 404 A2 Nigeria is doing in Ogoja as it is now becoming a new centre of excellence.

She said the government will support the project and provide staff as hundreds and thousands of lives will be saved by this centre.

On her part, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency said the project is a high impact project, laudable and pledged her commitment to ensure the project is completed.

Dr. Ben Ajogbor, the Medical superintendent in charge of Ogoja General Hospital said the hospital which was set up in 1913 has been transformed and the diabetes centre will boost healthcare delivery.