Andy Esiet, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu has promised to end medical tourism abroad with the 140-bed Obudu-German Specialist Hospital and the Obudu Cattle Ranch in the state.
Otu as part of his tour of the northern senatorial district of the state in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche yesterday described the 140-bed Obudu-German Specialist Hospital as a wonder piece which services will promote medical tourism in Nigeria.
The Governor, who led a delegation of consultants and notable Cross Riverians to the facility in Obudu Local Governor Area, described the strategically built and well-furnished hospital as one of the best legacies his predecessor, Prof Ben Ayade, left behind, and which Cross Riverians will continue to be proud of.
He said “it is one of the best facilities that can be found anywhere around the world today. As we speak, our people have started patronizing the facility and is offering world class medical services, we will remain grateful to our immediate past governor for his foresight and love for the wellbeing of our people.
“We have started discussion already with relevant Federal Government agencies and I want to believe that not too long from now, the roads will be rehabilitated so that Nigerians can have unhindered access to this all important facility”.
One of the three Modular Operation Theatres at the Obudu-German Specialists Hospital, Obudu, Cross River State.
Otu noted, “don’t forget that we are also constructing a world class cargo airport here in Obudu which my dear brother Ayade started including the Canadian International School. All these facilities will not only service the Obudu Ranch resort but will grant more elites access to the hospital,” Otu stated
He assured that the issue of power which may threaten the existence of these facilities, would be looked into as soon as possible.
At the Ranch Resort, which was hitherto described as one of Nigeria’s seven wonders, the governor promised to revamp it and make it a major tourism destination in the country once again.
He stated, “what I have come to meet here is a bit devastating. We have to get the Ranch back to the level it was with additional aesthetics as soon as possible.
“I am fully aware of the plight of the former staff as well as the union disagreement due to non-payment of their salaries. We will sort that out once the personnel audit is completed.
“Whether we like it or not, the people who are working here must be accommodated and be carried along in the scheme of things if we must get it back to life again”.
