Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, is building a cancer centre and revitalising more than 98 healthcare centres in the state.

Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Mr Alia, Kula Tersoo, said in Makurdi on Wednesday that the projects were part of the governor’s achievements in the last two years.

Mr Tersoo said the governor was building a cancer centre at the Benue State Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, to tackle rising cases of cancer in the state.

He said the project, which was ongoing, was at an advanced stage.

The CPS further said that other ongoing projects at the hospital were the construction of an amenity ward, construction of a mini waterworks, and provision of solar light.

He said the governor also built and completed a five-star pharmacy store for the hospital.

He stated, “Benue State Teaching Hospital is the hub of development. The governor had earlier promised to turn the hospital into a tourist centre for those seeking healthcare needs. If you go there, you will see new buildings springing up. The pharmaco-surgical pharmacy, VIP smart clinic, BSUTH cancer centre, BSUTH water treatment plant, and therapeutic centre for children with special needs. There are also the renovated amenity wards, distilled water plant, post-basic schools and institute of health technology.’’

Mr Tersoo said the governor was also revitalising 98 health facilities simultaneously across the state.

He explained that the aim was to provide adequate healthcare service delivery in the state, especially in the rural areas, and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

He said maternal mortality and morbidity had been a problem in the country and even globally.

Mr Tersoo said the aim was to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by bringing quality healthcare service delivery to the grassroots.

On education, Mr Tersoo disclosed that 300 primary schools were undergoing reconstruction in the state to provide the pupils and teachers with a conducive learning environment.

He said Mr Alia also established a state university at Ihuge, Vandiekya LGA, to meet up with the growing quest for higher education in the state.

He said work had since commenced at the university site. 

(NAN)