Sen. Williams Eteng (APC -Cross River) has paid the medical bills of no fewer than 21 patients of the Holy Family Hospital in Ikom, Ikom Local Government Area of the State.
The bills running into millions of naira was settled by the lawmaker on Saturday, when he visited the hospital to identify with the patients.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills paid include those of patients who had undergone major surgeries and could not settle their outstanding medical debts.
Others include those of some orthopedic patients, as well as those of premature births requiring incubator care.
Eteng said that the gesture was in the spirit of the Easter Celebration, adding that in celebrating the Lord and Saviour, humanity ought to be celebrated too.
According to him, this is the Easter season when we celebrate Christ. In celebrating our Lord and Saviour, we have to equally celebrate humanity.
“This action is not just a seasonal gesture but a reflection of Christ-like virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion. This is the spirit of love to one another which Christ preaches.
“No economic situation should prevent anyone from celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ or experiencing God’s faithfulness.
“I and my team wish you God’s intervention while we commend the management for a job well done.
“Today We have paid hospital bills for those who have critical cases and do not have the cash for treatment. So, we wish them well.
“More than 17 patients and two new bornewborn with delicate conditions have been discharged and are now able to return home.”
Eteng, in addition to footing the medical bills of patients, also inspected the hospital facilities and assured the management that he would intervene to improve the quality of healthcare in the district.
The state visiting consultant to the hospital, Dr Emmanuel Gilbert, commended the lawmaker for his kind gesture.
“if everybody can once in a while do this the world will be a better place for all of us.
A patient who spoke with reporters thanked the senator for remembering them in this period of the death and resurrection of Christ.
Mrs Joy Bassey, a mother to one of the beneficiaries said she was happy as God answered her prayers by directing the lawmaker to the hospital.
“My son, Joseph Ukobere, 15, had an accident on Feb. 27 and had his knee bone affected.
”I thank God for bringing Sen Eteng to the rescue. I have been praying to God for an intervention, and it came today. My joy knows no bounds,” she said.
