The Delta State Government has deposited the sum of three million naira for the continuation of treatment of victims of Friday Agbor gas explosion at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Edo State.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye announced this in Benin during his visit to the UBTH, to ascertain the condition of the victims rushed to the hospital.
Dr Ononye said the deposited amount was part of efforts to assist the victims of the gas explosion which occurred on Friday in Agbor, Ika South local government area.
The Health Commissioner assured relatives and patients at the hospital, of government’s resolve to stand by them and promising that the State Government will not abandon them at this trying period.
Dr Ononye disclosed that on hearing of the explosion, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa directed that he should immediately visit the victims with the view to getting first-hand information on their conditions and welfare as well as assist with money for their treatment.
He said the Governor’s good gesture was borne out of the fact that he has compassion for the wellbeing of Deltans and residents alike.
While condoling with them over the deaths recorded, the Health Commissioner prayed for the quick recovery of those with various degrees of burns and advised the relatives to comport themselves and cooperate with the hospital management as the treatment progresses.
For those who had made one payment or the other for treatment since they were referred to the hospital, Dr Ononye informed them that the state government will see to it that they get refunded.
He stated that no more payments should be made as the government will take care of their medical bills.
According to the Commissioner, a total of 15 persons with various degrees of burns from the explosion were rushed to the Central Hospital, Agbor for treatment and were later referred to Federal Medical Center, Asaba after they were stabilized.
He added that due to the seriousness of the cases, they were further referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin from the Federal Medical Center Asaba for proper management.
Dr Ononye disclosed that of the 15 victims of the explosion, four patients had died while the 11 patients still alive are in critical conditions with serious degrees of burns.
The Commissioner was conducted round the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital by Prof. Casimir Omuemu, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee and his Deputy, Prof. Stanley Okugbo.
Meanwhile, some of the relatives of the victims of the gas explosion used the opportunity to thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for coming to their aid at their trying period.
