Leprosy patients in Niger State have received 25 electronic motorised beds as part of efforts to ease their treatment and enhance the healing process.
The Leprosy Mission Nigeria made the donation on Thursday at the Niger State Leprosy Hospital, where they also donated 25 bed sheets, 25 pillows and pillow cases.
The Mission’s operation manager, Pius Ogbu, who made the donation to the Niger State government, said the beds were received as support from the Leprosy Mission, Switzerland.
“We received 25 electronic motorised beds, 25 bed sheets, 25 pillows and pillow cases. With these electronic motorised beds, patients can now adjust to suit their comfort.
“We believe that the beds will help patients have good sleep and it will aid their speedy recovery process.
“The TLMN actively operates in Niger State, providing free treatment, rehabilitation, vocational training; and focuses on eradicating stigma, providing orthopaedic devices, and empowering affected individuals,” Ogbu said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, said that under the Governor Mohammed Bago-led government’s New Niger Agenda, the government was prioritising the treatment of those with tropical diseases.
“We are happy to receive these consignments and we will ensure we complement the efforts of the TLMN by upgrading the Leprosy Hospital and providing the necessary commodities they need for their upkeep,” Bagana said.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government would ensure that a consultant would be posted to the Leprosy Hospital to see that patients received the necessary treatments.
One of the patients who spoke with PUNCH commended the TLMN for the donation and called on the state governor to prioritise the Leprosy Hospital by providing medical commodities.
The patient, David Felix, an indigene of Ebonyi State, while thanking the TLMN for the items, appealed to the state government to provide more drugs and other commodities to augment what the Mission was doing.
“If I am not here, I do not think I can benefit from this artificial limb and I am also happy for this adjustable bed because I do not need to disturb any of the workers to help me adjust while in bed,” David, who had his left leg amputated over an ulcer, said.
