About 40 Digital Ultrasonic Diagnostic imaging systems have been donated by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to the Medical Village, Ondo city.
The donation, according to the Consular General, People's Republic of China in Nigeria, Mr Chao Xiaoliang was facilitated by the Chinese government under the framework of China-Africa cooperation.
He explained that the programme was aimed at encouraging and supporting exchanges and cooperation between organisations, women and young people of both countries by jointly undertaking small social programmes and promoting mutual visits between the governments.
"He noted that this is the first programme in Ondo and that it is just the beginning. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria 46 years ago, the relations have steadily improved.
"We plan to carry out another four projects of "China-Africa People -to people Friendship Action" in the Consulate District this year.
"I firmly believe that the long lasting friendship between our two people and government will enhance bilateral relations year by year," he said.
Also, Mr Guan Shuai, Managing Director, CCECC, expressed belief that more investors would storm Ondo State to establish agricultural industries and improve infrastructure.
"I wish the CCECC can get more opportunity on the development of the State, more importantly in the area of infrastructural development,"
"CCECC will render better service to the State government and we will continue to fulfil our social responsibilities to the government," he said.
Similarly, Dr Oluwole Ige, Chief Medical Director (CMD), Ondo State Trauma Centre in the medical village, promised to utilize the equipment optimally to its best as well as ensure their proper maintenance.
He expressed gratitude to the Chinese firm and government for the donation, which he said, would save a lot of lives with timely diagnosis.
Governor Akeredolu, while thanking the firm, said "I sincerely express our profound gratitude to you for donating these down-to-earth, modern sets of Mindray DP-2200 Digital Ultrasonic Diagnostic Imaging Systems to our State".
"Like I said in my inaugural speech, we shall adopt deliberate policies to ensure that our people have access to health care regardless of their social status. We intend, within the available resources to provide functional, accessible and qualitative health care delivery to the people in this state".
He said the equipment would go a long way in assisting healthcare delivery in the medical village and also add an unquantifiable value to the health system .
"It will put an end to cases of avoidable deaths arising from wrong diagnosis since good, prompt, accurate diagnosis is key to successful management of any ailment," he said.
"Ultrasonic Diagnostic Imaging System is one of the key medical equipment that are needed in the diagnosis of some medical illnesses, especially those that are un-diagnosable using chemical reagents.
I was told that some of the medical conditions that can be diagnosed using ultrasound include enlarged prostate, liver cirrhosis, ruptured appendicitis, ovarian cyst, obstetric and gynecological cases, to mention a few.
No doubt our pregnant women will surely benefit from the use of these machines, as ultrasound is done routinely in pregnancy"
Akeredolu explained that the crop of competent and diligent health professionals would put the equipment to judicious use. He appealed to them to see healthcare delivery as a collaborative effort.
"Unhealthy rivalry is capable of endangering treasured lives of our patients, so let's work together.
"We will continue to train our health professionals and expose them to global health practices to bring them up to date in their various fields," he said.
Dignitaries who graced the ceremony included Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Head of Service, Barr Toyin Akinkuotu, representatives of Osemawe and the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Ondo who lauded the kind gesture of the Chinese Government and the commitment of the Ondo State Government to its health sector.
