Obiano Commissions Intensive Care Unit in Eldorado Multi-Specialist Hospital, Awka

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, weekend, commissioned Eldorado Multi-Specialist Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Awka

Commissioning the ICU which housed the multi-purpose cardiac monitor, infusion pump, syringe pump, ventilator machine, arterial blood gas (ABC machine) and defibrillator machine, Chief Obiano commended members of the hospital’s management for what they have achieved in health sector, describing them as strong and reliable partners of his administration.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, Dr. Vincent Okpala assured of government’s continued support and partnership, noting that Eldorado Multi-Specialist Hospital remains one of the most sought after specialist hospitals in Nigeria.

He called on residents of the state and Nigerians to take the necessary COVID-19 protocols seriously to avoid the ugly experience in India.

He said the pandemic suddenly resurfaced in India after majority of its citizenry relaxed observance of basic COVID-19 protocols following apparent 90 per cent victory over the virus.

His words: "India managed to control COVID 90 per cent and started celebrating. Politicians stopped wearing their masks and played down on measures. We saw what the result was. Indian experience should teach us lessons.

"No doubt, it’s uncomfortable wearing facemasks; but you can’t see me talk in public without wearing it. We encourage everyone to comply with the protocols. Thank God the vaccination is here and people are no longer hesitant having discovered that nothing bad happened to those of us who have taken both first and second dose.

"It’s good we take advantage of what we have. We don’t understand this disease and thinking we’re home and dry; until during the peak of rainy season it will suddenly come upon us. Yes, there’s insecurity, but it’s worse we add illness on top. It’s better we don’t have any of them at all than to battle with both."

While commending the hospital for providing the state-of-the-art equipment, which he said, was maiden in a private hospital in the capital city, Obiano noted that it would go a long way to complement those in public hospitals in meeting the health needs of the citizens

Earlier in a remark, one of the managing consultants, Dr. Chiemelu Emegoakor said that the hospital came into existence in the year 2016, and had not looked back since then, stating that the ICU became imperative following the COVID-19 pandemic which, he said, took many unawares.

He said that at the heat of the pandemic, no ICU was found anywhere in the South-East.

Dr. Emegoakor said the hospital remained one of the few private hospitals in the zone that could boast of such facility essentially for patients on critical conditions.

He listed the equipment in the facility to include multipurpose cardiac monitor, central oxygen system, ventilators machines, infusion pumps, syringe pumps, arterial blood gas machine and central suction machine, among others.

"The facility will benefit stroke, ventilating, cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure patients in the management of their conditions," he added.

Chairman of the occasion, Lasbrey Asomugha, described the facility as one of the best things that have happened to the state, especially with respect to management of COVID-19.

Prof Asomugha, who is a consultant and Director, Medical Services, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), said 75% of patients in the state relied on private hospitals for their health needs, calling on government to always support private clinics in order to provide maximum health care for citizens.

Dr. Eric Umeh, Consultant Radiologist NAUTH, Nnewi, Dr. Ufoaroh Chinyelu Uchenna of NAUTH and Sir Felix Emegoakor described the acquisition of the ICU as a landmark achievement, stating that they were privileged to be part of its commissioning.

Overview of Intensive Care Unit, Inspection of the equipments and detailed explanation of the functions and usage of the machines by an Intensivist, Chief  Maxwell Amah formed the highpoints of the occasion.