Divisive politics retarding growth, development of Benue -Sen. Suswam
Former governor of Benue, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, says party politics is retarding growth and development in Benue.
Suswam said this at the International Health Investment Summit/ Scientific Exhibition and Endowment Fund for Cancer organised by the Benue University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi on Friday, in Makurdi.
He lamented that politics was drawing the state backward, lamenting that instead of joining hands to work for development of the state, people tend to be divided according to party lines.
“Gov. Hyacinth Alia is genuinely concerned about the development of the state, so all Benue people, regardless of their party affiliations, should join hands with him and not allow petty issues or politics to divide them.
“The traditional rulers should encourage their subjects to come together when issues of development are at stake.
“The contribution to the BSUTH endowment fund to enable the hospital establish an ultra modern cancer centre is one such key issue,” Suswam said.
Meanwhile, Alia has lamented that cancer was responsible for many deaths in Africa, stressing that the state government had donated the N2 billion to support BSUTH to establish the cancer centre.
The governor emphasised that his administration was committed to providing quality healthcare delivery in the state.
He further disclosed that his administration had increased expenditure in health, stating that the poor allocation to budgetary provisions for healthcare delivery in the past had been addressed.
“My administration has granted approval for employment of over 5,000 workers to boost manpower in various departments,” Alia said.
Also, the Keynote Speaker, Dr Tolulope Adewole, disclosed that the N5 billion BSUTH was seeking for to enable it establish the cancer centre was grossly inadequate owing to the cost of the necessary equipment.
Adewole further stated that the centre would be comprehensive, adding that all tests and treatment regarding cancer would be conducted there.
The Guest Speaker, Mr Eric Liu, said that healthcare financing was the backbone of any medical institutions, stressing that for BSUTH to continue providing high quality healthcare, it must have a reliable and sustainable financial base.
“This will ensure that the hospital will afford the necessary medical supplies, maintain their facilities, pay the dedicated staff and invest in cutting-edge medical technology.
“Without sustainable financing the quality of care falls by the way. I stand here today to encourage the government to fund healthcare to help the citizens achieve a healthy standard of living,” Liu said.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Stephen Hwande, said that in addition to the cancer centre, the hospital would soon establish a Very Important Persons (VIP) Clinic in the hospital.
