By STANLEY OKECHUKWU-EZE
Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka was a beneficiary to the philanthropy of Chief Dr. Emma Bishop Okonkwo (OFR) through his foundation, Emma Bishop Okonkwo Foundation on November 14, 2014. The closed door presentation ceremony was chaired by the Chairman of the institution's Board of Management, Chief Dr. Dozie Ikedife (Ikenga Nnewi) and hosted by the Chief Medical Director of the Institution, Dr Lawrence Ikeakor. The presentation was made by Professor O.O Mbonu, one of the directors of the foundation, who also doubles as part of ASUTH's management board.
In his presentation speech, Professor Mbonu, who was described as a man of excellence by Ikenga Nnewi, introduced the Founder of the foundation as a humble man who needed no publicity. The foundation, he described as a non-profit making one established in 2008, with the primary objective of assisting the government and other sisterly organisations in providing quality and affordable healthcare to the needy. He added that the organisation actualizes this by attending to the needs of institutions that are directly involved in delivering healthcare. Prof. Mbonu said the donation was sequel to the donation of a state-of-the-art ambulance to the hospital last year. He then lead the group, made up of the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Dr. Joe Akabuike, members of the hospital's management board, members of the foundation, and members of the press, to the packages of hospital equipments just outside the CMD's office (the reception venue).
The medical equipments include:
- 4 pcs of ICU beds; 4 pcs of Fowler beds; 4 pcs of Plain beds; 4 pcs of Attending bed; 5 pcs of emergency recovery trolleys; 4 pcs of Obstetric labour table; 3 pcs of Obstetric labour examination table; 6 pcs of bed side lockers; 4 pcs of Over bed tables; 6 pcs of wheel chair folders; 3 pcs of hydraulic operating tables in wooden boxes; 1 pc of crash cart; 5 pcs of IV stand; 1 pc of Monitor trolley; 2 pcs of Instrument trolleys; 2 pieces of Dressing trolleys. Altogether, there were 58 items, which the Chairman of the Hospital's Management Board estimated was worth between 200 and 250 million naira.
In his address, Chief Dr. Ikedife commended the spirit of giving in Dr. Emma Bishop Okonkwo, whom he described as a modest, self effacing and almost shy man. He also was full of accolades for Prof. Mbonu, who he said was, amongst many other things, 'totally dependable', 'totally dedicated' and, in fact, 'a man of excellence.' He said that Dr. Emma Bishop Okonkwo made the right choice by selecting him as the Chairman of his Board of Directors. He added that he is assuring the good doctor that his donations will be put to the best use possible.
The Commissioner for Health, Hon. Dr. Joe Akabuike was of the opinion that Dr. Emma Bishop Okonkwo belongs to the class of Africans he refers to as our 'western brothers'. This, he said, was due to the fact that he reasons like the westerners in his philanthropic disposition. He said that Dr. Okonkwo's gesture was worthy of emulation and extended the state government's profound gratitude to him. Dr. Joe added that the government is doing all it can to bring the hospital to an enviable standard.
In his vote of thanks, the Chief Medical Director of Anambra State University Teaching Hospital expressed his appreciation to the Almighty, to the previous and present administrations of Anambra state for their assistance, and to the donor. He said that the donor was no stranger to the institution and that the medical equipments will go a long way in helping the institution deliver quality healthcare. He revealed that the institution was going to graduate her first set of medical doctors in a couple of months and that she will also undergo final accreditation come January, 2015. He affirmed that the equipments will be used to carry out good services.
In the entourage of Emma Bishop Okonkwo Foundation were also Tony Okoye, Onyedimma Loveth, Barrister Ikenna Okoli and the founder's brother who represented the founder, Chief Sunny Okonkwo.
