SEMA signs MoU with BSUTH for IDPs treatment in Benue
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) for the treatment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the State.
The Executive Secretary Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu and the Chief Medical Director Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Stephen Hwande performed the signing ceremony at the hospital premises on Thursday.
Sir Iorpuu explained that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Benue State Emergency Management Agency and the Benue State University Teaching Hospital is a significant partnership in the collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State and to ensure their access to essential and quality healthcare services.
“The plight of our brothers and sisters in IDP camps across Makurdi and Guma LGAs is one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time.
“These vulnerable populations face numerous difficulties, with access to healthcare being one of the most critical. Many IDPs are unable to access the medical attention they urgently need due to financial constraints and logistical barriers.
“It is in recognition of this need that Benue SEMA has sought this collaboration with BSUTH, an institution renowned for its excellence in medical care and service delivery. Through this agreement, IDPs in the 10 designated camps will now have the opportunity to receive timely and quality healthcare services at BSUTH, with the assurance that payments for such services will – be settled by SEMA at a later date,” he stated.
Iorpuu further explained that the initiative is not just a demonstration of SEMA commitment to the welfare of displaced persons, also a testament to the importance of partnerships in addressing the complexities of humanitarian crises.
“By leveraging the expertise and resources of BSUTH and the coordination capabilities of SEMA, we are setting a precedent for how institutions can work together to achieve common goals for the betterment of society.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the management of BSUTH for their willingness to collaborate with us on this noble cause.”
Responding, Dr. Stephen Hwande, CMD, BSUTH described the gesture a welcome development and first in the history of the State for SEMA taking total responsibility of the healthcare of IDPs in the State.
He assured total collaboration with SEMA and promised to highly subsidise costly treatment of the IDPS.
Dr. Hwande attributed the gesture to the development strides precedence set by Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the State Governor.
