A core priority for The Leprosy Mission Nigeria is the strengthening of health systems for better delivery of health care to not only persons affected by leprosy but persons with disabilities. Working towards the fulfilment of this priority, the Leprosy Mission Nigeria donated drugs, surgical equipment, wheelchairs, and crutches to the Leprosy referral Hospital in Chanchaga, Niger state.
The materials donated by TLMN’s Head of Programs and Operations, Mr. Pius Ogbu, were given to help the leprosy referral hospital’s theatre get off the ground. The theatre had previously been built and donated by the leprosy mission but had not yet reached its full potential.
Dr Idris Ibrahim, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health Niger State gave his opening remarks at the occasion, and expressed his gratitude to the Leprosy mission for their intervention in saving the theatre of the leprosy referral hospital. He said “ever since this theatre was constructed, the activities of the theatre have been on the decline until the time it stopped being functional. We believe that this is a place that can be revived and can support the running of the hospital, as many parts of the hospital are not in good shape, we hope that the funds that would be generated from the theatre, apart from increasing the internally generated revenue in the state, some would also be ploughed back into the hospital pending when money is released from the government purse.”
Head of Programs and Operations for The Leprosy Mission, Mr. Pius Ogbu while presenting the items said “we are responding to a call for support from the Hospital through Dr Idris Ibrahim, who gave us a list, asking for specific items/instruments to reactivate the theatre of the Leprosy referral hospital, and like he rightly mentioned, this theatre is an investment the leprosy mission made about 9years ago to support the hospital”
Furthermore, he stated, “the essence of this is to ensure that this facility continues to provide quality services, that the staff here are motivated to work because once you have the equipment you have the motivation to work and that the people are able to access quality services when it is needed, this is the reason why we are also ensuring that we support the government of Niger state to continue to provide this service.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Niger State Dr Gana Mohammed was elated to receive the items he expressed his gratitude to the leprosy mission and encouraged the staff of the leprosy referral hospital to keep watch over the items; “for the staff that is going to work in the theatre please, take ownership, we should take ownership as though it’s our own, our maintenance culture should be put in place because if in 2years they (TLMN) come and see everything in good condition, they will be motivated to do more for you, but if they come in 6months and everything is gone, you’ve killed their morale.”
Also present at the occasion was Mr Ibrahim Ebba (state TBL Control Officer), Dr Abass Liman (In-charge, Leprosy referral hospital). Mr Ibrahim Dada (Acting In-charge, leprosy referral hospital), Mr Ibrahim (Secretary, leprosy referral hospital, Chanchaga).
Following the presentations, the group examined and evaluated various building components in the Hospital; Dr. Idris Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the leprosy hospital, in addition, he noted that contracts had been awarded for the hospital’s refurbishment and that a backup power source will be provided to ensure the theatre operates seamlessly.
