Sarah Thompson
Sat, Aug 26, 2023 7:15 PMVictims of Abuja Building Collapse Commend Minister for Settling Medical Bills
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Abuja, Aug. 26, 2023 - Victims of the building collapse in Abuja have commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for settling their medical bills. The collapse occurred on Wednesday at a two-story building located on Lagos Street, Garki Village, resulting in the unfortunate loss of two lives. The incident also led to the evacuation and treatment of 37 individuals in various hospitals within the FCT.
During his visit to the scene on Thursday, Mr Wike directed the Federal Capital Territory Administration to ensure that all medical bills for the victims receiving treatment in different hospitals are paid by the government. The victims have expressed their gratitude for the support they have received since the minister's declaration.
One of the victims, Mr Abdullahi Modibbo, who is currently receiving treatment at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja, highlighted that he has not been required to make any payments following the minister's intervention. Modibbo expressed his appreciation for the life-saving support and the exemplary care provided by the healthcare professionals attending to him.
"I was on the first floor when the building collapsed on Wednesday night. I sustained a fracture when a boulder fell on my leg as I was trying to help myself. I am grateful for the prompt response of the government agencies who evacuated and brought us to the hospital. Now, with the assurance that all our medical bills will be covered, I am truly thankful," said Modibbo.
Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs Aishatu Tenebe, at Asokoro District Hospital revealed that eight victims were admitted to the facility, out of which seven have been treated and discharged. The Chief Nursing Officer emphasized the excellent care provided to the victims during their stay at the hospital.
Another victim, Mr Garba Nagoma, receiving treatment at Cedarcrest Hospital Gwarinpa, expressed his elation upon learning that the government would be settling his hospital bills as directed by Mr Wike. Nagoma mentioned that his brother had already made an initial payment of N500,000 to the hospital before the news of the government's intervention.
"This news of the government taking care of my medical bills is truly relieving. I am immensely grateful for the support extended to us," Nagoma stated.
Sharing his experience, Nagoma revealed that he had visited his friend residing on the first floor of the collapsed building when the tragedy occurred.
"We were having a conversation when one of our friends alerted us that the building was about to collapse. We hurriedly tried to escape, but we were unfortunately too late. The building collapsed while we were still on the first floor, and I survived with a fracture," he shared.
The Group Managing Director of Cedarcrest Hospital, Dr Kingsley Ikpe, assured Nagoma and other victims at the hospital that the necessary care and treatment would be provided to aid their recovery.
Mr Shehu Mohammed, another victim receiving treatment for head and eye injuries at Garki Hospital, Abuja, equally commended Mr Wike for his timely intervention and assistance. Mohammed, who owned a tailoring shop in the collapsed building, was still working when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Dr Winifred Esite, a medical officer at Garki Hospital, disclosed that they received 14 victims, and 12 have since been treated, discharged, and reunited with their families. Unfortunately, one victim passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Mrs Charity Amadi, one of the treated and discharged victims from Garki Hospital, expressed her gratitude towards the FCT minister for the support provided. Amadi, a pregnant mother of two, mentioned that their lives were upended by the disaster, causing them to lose everything.
"I am relieved that the government has come to our aid. The hospital has advised me to come for periodic check-ups to ensure the well-being of my unborn baby and myself," she said.
Following the hospital visits, Mr Malan Haruna, acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCTA, stated that they had completed the directive given by Mr Wike to oversee the victims' medical bills.
Haruna confirmed that out of the total victims, four are still receiving treatment in hospitals, 31 have been treated and discharged, and tragically, two lives were lost. He further explained the process for settling the medical bills, outlining that the victims will need to submit their bills through the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the health secretariat, who will then forward them to the Permanent Secretary.
Both Haruna and the Head of Search and Rescue, Mr Oyegun Moses, reassured the victims that any medical expenses incurred during their ongoing observation and future visits would be covered by the government.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-26 News
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