Gideon Arinze in Enugu
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on the federal government to collaborate with private hospitals to establish nursing schools that will nurture health workers for enhanced healthcare delivery.
This is even as he donated N75 million to the Daughters of Divine Love, owners of Annunciation Special Hospital, in Enugu State to help the hospital in building its proposed college of nursing sciences and tackle other critical areas of need.
While presenting the cheques to the management of the hospital, the former Anambra State governor said that the donation comprised N60 million ($50,000) which was donated by New York-based pediatrician, Philip Ozuah, and his own personal donation of N15 million.
Obi said that part of the challenges confronting the healthcare sector in Nigeria is the growing trend of the exodus of healthcare workers who seek greener pastures in other countries due to poor working conditions in Nigeria.
He ,however, noted that the government can reverse the trend by collaborating with establishments like the Daughters of Divine Love who are committed to serving humanity in the areas of healthcare delivery and education.
“The donation is part of our own way of appreciating what the establishment is doing to build a better society and to serve humanity. We believe in their commitment.”
Speaking further, he said: “The management has given us a target on when to start the school, my job is to see that the school commences on the day they want to start it.”
In her reaction, Superior General of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Love, Mary Dike, said that the management will ensure that the fund is judiciously used as part of its own service to humanity.
“With the donation, we will commence the construction as soon as possible, she said. “It is when you are healthy that you can do everything you want to do, including serving God.”
