Gov Otu offsets medical bills of family injured in gas explosion
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has promised to offset the medical bills of victims of the Calabar gas explosion.
Last week, a family of four, Prince Effiom, his pregnant wife, Joy Prince, daughter and their one-year-old child were involved in a gas explosion accident which occurred in their home at No 10 Tete Street, Calabar South.
Residents of the Bayside community in Calabar South area had helped to evacuate the victims to a nearby health facility when the incident happened.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, the governor appreciated God that no death occurred and that the people did not look the other way but assisted in evacuating the victims to the hospital.
He maintained that the lives of all citizens are important, no matter their status in the society.
He commended the management of the hospital for putting the lives of the people first, by commencing treatment even without any payments.
He expressed happiness that the victims were fast recovering.
He assured of the government’s willingness to take care of hospital bills as well as partner with the hospital in many other areas.
“I want to really appreciate God Almighty for keeping the victims alive. I am happy that they are fast recovering. But what we are appealing for is to ensure that adequate care is given to them so that they can fully recover as soon as possible.
“This is what our administration signifies, looking out for your neighbor and ensuring we are our brother’s keeper. Because it is by doing so that we can build a better and prosperous Cross River State.”
Otu used the opportunity to reiterate the readiness of his administration to partner with relevant healthcare providers to achieve the United Nations Universal Health Coverage in the State.
He maintained that affordable healthcare for all is a cardinal part of his administration’s plan towards achieving goals.
“As a government, we have identified affordable healthcare for all citizens as a key development component to drive that process. That is why we are working so hard to ensure that we put in proper shape all our primary health care centres across the state, so as to enable us achieve universal health for all”.
Medical director of the facility, Dr Edet Attih said they have been able to pass the most dangerous stage in burn management, confirming that the victims are responding to treatment and doing well.
