Benue State Government is to take over the treatment of snakebite patients across the State to reduce the burden of cost of treatment on victims.
Governor Samuel Ortom hinted this today at St Theresa Catholic Church Makurdi during a Fund Raising Appeal for Interventions in Schools and Hospitals under the Resource and Planning Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.
While commending the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi, Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe for the initiative, the governor recalled that his partnership with the Bishop Murray Hospital Makurdi for the treatment of snakebite patients had saved so many lives with attendant huge cost, necessitating the decision for the state government to take over the treatment of snakebite victims.
Governor Ortom who acknowledged the prudence in the management of funds by the Church said Bishop Murray Hospital has the expertise in the treatment of snakebite and would do well given the desired support.
The Governor described the Resource and Planning Commission established by the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi as a noble initiative that should be supported by all.
Eunice Ortom, the wife of the Benue State Governor, represented by Mrs Gusa, urged the congregation to donate generously to the work of God and they would never regret.
In a sermon, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Reverend Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, described envy and jealousy as a storm in the souls of humans.
Coordinators of the commission from all the deaneries across the Diocese were inaugurated by Bishop Anagbe upon presentation by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Barrister Mike Utsaha.
