Okorocha Declares Free Prostate, Breast Cancer Tests for Imolites

Rochas Okorocha

Amby Uneze in  Owerri
      
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo  State has called on men and women above 40 years in the State to come to the Ochiedike Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre, Owerri for their free tests for Prostate and Breast Cancer.

Okorocha who declared this while commissioning the Ochiedike Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre,friday said the Centre which is 100 percent Imo State Government-owned, was in a 15-year contract with Israeli Medical Personnel to manage it while Medical experts resident in Israel would monitor activities there to assist wherever necessary.

He said the Centre was named after his late father ‘Ochiedike’ who died of kidney failure resulting from diabetes, recounting that the trauma made him (Governor) vow to fight  the disease.

He noted that cancer had claimed the lives of many but added that when detected at early stage, the disease could be handled and the patient’s life saved; stressing that with the modern and adequate facilities in place and the medical team working at the Centre, people of the South-East and Nigerians at large would have no need of going to India again for treatments.

“I thank God for a dream come true. My vision to save the lives of numerous poor indigenes has become a reality", he said.
The governor also explained that when completed, the 27 General Hospitals in the State would specialise in different fields of medicine, adding “we are not only good in education, we are also good in health sector; one day, we shall be singing a new song in Imo”.

He used the occasion to thank the former and present Commissioners for Health, Dr. Obi Njoku and Dr. Edward Ihejirika and the Israeli partners for helping in actualising the vision.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige described Okorocha as ‘a say and do governor’ who delivered his promise on medicare to his people.

Ngige who acknowledged the revolution in education in the State and the new General Hospitals noted that the Ochiedike Dialysis and Diagnostic Centre was the first of its kind in this part of the world and lacked nothing in meeting the needs of all who come for medical attention.

In her remarks, the Medical Director of the Centre, Mrs. Judith Glick recounted how her team led by Dr. Obi Njoku presented the proposal for the Centre to the governor three months before the 2011 elections where he replied “why not, if I become the Governor I will establish this Diagnostic Centre with you”.

Glick said her team will develop and establish more medical units in the center, while she disclosed that already, investors were ready to establish a world class hospital in the State.  “It is time we stopped sending money out to other countries in search of medical attention, we are here for Imolites and Nigerians at large to remain strong, vibrant and healthy to enable everyone contribute in building a better Imo State and Nigeria,” she assured.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Edward Ihejirika regretted the progressive increase in chronic diseases, despite efforts government made through immunisation and improved hygiene, while the gain made in controlling infectious disease were counter balanced due to increase in the incidence of chronic illness like kidney infection, heart disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc.    

He explained that Governor Okorocha established the dialysis Centre to provide adequate medical care and services via the most efficient and experienced Dialysis Technicians and Nephrologists as well as reduce capital flight and have closer family ties.

Ihejirika narrated some of the landmarks in the health sector to include the approval of 100 percent consolidated salary structure for health workers of the State, the 27 General Hospitals being built, Imo declared Ebola free due to hosting of several National Conventions and other measures put in place by the State government to ensure the protection of Imolites, among others.

 ThisDay