Lawmaker donates equipment worth N50m to general hospital

Mr Patrick Ifon, member representing Eket Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom, has donated optometry equipment worth N50 million to set up an eye clinic at General Hospital in the state.

Ifon made the donation at the General Hospital, Awa in Onna Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

He said the equipment was to support and compliment the efforts of Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s health sector reforms.

He listed the equipment to include — computerised visual acuity chat, reading card and accessories, ophthalmoscope – rechargeable set, autorefractor, Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT), ophthalmic combo unit, trial lens set and lensmeter.

Ifon explained that the intervention was part of his constituency project, meant to enhance eye care.

The lawmaker said he was partnering with the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to set up the eye clinic.

He added that “I have procured and made deliveries of some equipment for the eye clinic at General Hospital, Awa.

“I am aware of the fact that there are more sick people than available equipment.”

Our correspondent reports that Ifon also donated N1 million as payment for the surgery of some financially challenged persons.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, reiterated the state government’s commitment to improve the health of the people.

He called on stakeholders, public-spirited individuals to emulate the lawmaker to provide equipment for improved health system in the state.

He said that ophthalmology and optometry care was one of the areas that required more development as the state continued to march toward improved healthcare services.

Umoh, who emphasised that government alone cannot handle all the aspects of health, called for contributions from individuals and foundations to remedy some aspects.

He urged the management of the hospital to use the equipment judiciously, while commending the lawmaker for taking a good step to help the people.

The Chief Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Francis Inyang, thanked Ifon for the gesture “and for thinking about the well-being of the people.”

Inyang promised to ensure the equipment were maintained.