By Andy Adaigbe.
Wife of the Governor of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa, Thursday, inaugurated a 20-bed space First Delta America Hospital, FDAH, an affiliate of First Lithonia Medical Centre, Atlanta Georgia, United States of America, owned by an American based licensed Family physician, Dr. (Mrs.) Isioma Okobah.
The Governor’s wife who commended the FDAH management and staff for their friendliness to visitors and patients, said such relationship was usually the first step in the healing process. She further urged Doctors, nurses and other caregivers to emulate such gesture instead of displaying hostility to aggravate patients’ medical conditions.
Dame Okowa disclosed that Dr. Okobah had done what was expected of every well-meaning Nigerian by giving back to the society. She commended her for the existing Non-profit health facility already put in place in her locality to cater for the less privileged.
She maintained that God expected all relevant stakeholders to impact the lives of others in the society according to the measure by which they were blessed, as that was what they would be remembered for, after they had left this world.
Also speaking, the Delta State commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, described Dr. Okobah as a hard working medical Doctor who always put in her best in the practice of the medical profession.
The health commissioner pointed out that Dr. Okobah has helped in saving several lives especially during the advent of the COVID-19. He also lauded the management and staff of FDAH for maintaining standard and international best practices while wishing more growth and expansion of the health facility across the globe.
Earlier in her adress, Dr. Isioma Okobah stated that her inspiration came from God, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s family and the desire to help the needy.
She said “At this point, I would like to also inform you that this hospital has a parent hospital in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, USA known as First Lithonia Medical Center and an older sibling the Stephen Okoh Memorial Hospital in Igbodo which is totally non profit providing free medical services to people of Igbodo kingdom of Delta State.
Upon my appointment by His Excellency in November 2017 to serve the good people of Delta State as the Chairman of the State Primary Health care Development Agency and Executive Assistant on E Health, it was a pleasure to learn that Her Excellency, the First Lady and wife of the Executive Governor, Dame Edith Okowa is the founder of the internationally reputed non profit organization, the 05 Initiative, which has health care services and other services ranging from sickle cell centers across the 25 Local Government Areas with a sickle cell referral center in Asaba Specialist Hospital and medical outreaches in Holding Centers across the State, restoring sight to people with vision impairment through 05 Initiative medical outreach to rural communities and many more. How much more inspiration does one need?
Special commendation to our Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye for providing policy stability and direction for the implementation of the Okowa’s health policies.
The challenge was obvious, the inspiration was clear, the environment was suitable and the least I could do in my contribution and in my support for the Okowa administration in his noble drive to create a healthy and wealthy Delta State was to present to you and the world the First Delta American Hospital, Asaba.”
Dr. Okobah further highlighted the vision of the FDAH
“Our vision at First Delta American Hospital is to continually be a leader in health and wellness using innovative technologies such as telemedicine thereby reducing medical tourism in Nigeria.”
Speaking similarly, as a vote of thanks, her husband Dr. Chris Okobah said the hospital was part of their objectives to give back to the country and the state by offering the best health care.
He emphasized that ” the hospital was only a testament to my wife’s obdurate desire for good, affordable and ethical health care practice to the people as she has done in the past 17 years in the United States of America. This feat was achieved through hard work, commitment, personal sacrifice and focus on noble goals”.
He commended the state Governor and his wife for their leadership roles describing them as inspirational and unquestionable.
Okobah further appreciated the guests, management and staff of the hospital for their support, love and tolerance urging them to do more adding that this was only the beginning of a long journey.
Other dignitaries present at the inauguration of the Hospital included Clergymen, The Obi of Onicha-Ugbo kingdom in Delta State, other top government functionaries within and outside the state as well as gentlemen of the Press.
The highlights of the occasion were the Cutting of the Tape, unveiling of plaque, touring of the hospital’s state -of-the-art- facilities and cutting of the celebration cake.