Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri April 7, 2019
Indian manufactures of medical equipment; are to deliver 2,050 units of diagnostic and surgery equipment to Borno state government furnish 25 hospitals. The deliveries of medical equipment followed Governor Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to Indian; to negotiate with manufacturers along with Commissioner of Health, Dr. Salisu Kwayabura. In a statement yesterday in Maiduguri, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mallam Isa Gusau said that the medical equipment to be delivered this week, were secured at discounted prices and of German standards for use in any hospital. According to him; Dr. Kwayabura coordinated and supervised the selection of medical equipment and negotiations before deliveries to Nigerian sea ports. “Governor Shettima led negotiations with Indian manufacturers, secured discounted prices and gave approvals for the medical and diagnostic equipment; that are of German quality,” he said. He said that Laparoscopy, which would commence in the hospitals, is a modern surgical procedure; in which surgeons use specific instruments to create access to the abdomen and pelvis of patients. Laparoscopy, according to him, is a surgical procedure, where doctors operate without going through the traditional method of making large incisions on the skins of patients. He said the procedure fast tracks healing, reduces pains and minimizes risks associated with post-surgical difficulties caused by large tearing of patients’ skins. He said the diagnostic equipment; are to complement dozens of ‘heavy and high tech’ medical equipment already installed in seven new hospitals. He said that all the procured equipment is to be delivered this week. He said the seven built hospitals along with 18 renovated ones across the state; are also to be commissioned. “Shettima had turned down offers to award long term contracts to agents, insisting on meeting manufacturers to get immediate delivery,” he assured, adding that; “There are consumables for 3,360 dialysis sessions already packaged for immediate delivery.” He said the Governor had directed that the equipment be immediately distributed to various hospitals as soon as they arrive. Meanwhile, the Nigerian high commission in India on Saturday invited and hosted Governor Kashim Shettima at the high commission’s office located in Chanakyapuri, a diplomatic area in New Delhi. He said that the Governor had introduced and sustained a policy of involving Nigerian embassies and high commissions in all transactions between Borno State Government and foreign companies. According to him, Nigerian embassies assist in evaluating the integrity of foreign companies and offer support to Borno state officials where they need to follow-up on deliveries.
