In an effort to improve the comfort of treating patients at the Leprosarium in Minna, Niger State capital, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria TLMN has provided the facility with 25 electronic motorised beds.
The provision was made by Leprosy Mission in Switzerland through the Operations Manager of TLMN, Pius Ogbu, who presented the items to the Niger State Government at the Facility.
Ogbu said, “25 electronic motorised beds, 25 bed sheets and 25 pillows, with cases are released today to support the Leprosy Hospital in Minna. With these electronic motorised beds, patients can now adjust to suit their comfortability. We have no doubt that the beds will help patients to have good sleep and get quick recovery.”
He explained that the organisation continues to provide support to persons affected by leprosy in the state through free treatment, rehabilitation services and vocational training, while also working to reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
The Operations Manager added that the mission also provides orthopaedic devices and empowerment for affected individuals.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health in Niger State, Murtala Bagana, said the state government appreciates the support, noting that under the New Niger Agenda of Governor Muhammad Bago, attention is being given to the treatment of tropical diseases.
Bagana said, “Niger Government is happy to receive this consignment, and we will ensure we complement the efforts of TLMN by upgrading the Leprosy Hospital and providing necessary commodities for their upkeep.
“The government will ensure that a consultant is deployed to the hospital to facilitate necessary treatments for patients.”
Speaking with a patient, David Felix, he urged the government to provide more drugs and other medical supplies to support the mission’s efforts.
Felix, who lost his leg due to an ulcer, said, “If I am not here, I won’t get this artificial limb. I’m also happy for this adjustable bed because I do not need to disturb any worker to help me adjust the bed while sleeping.”
Patients at the hospital also expressed appreciation to the organisation for the gesture and appealed to the state government to further improve facilities at the hospital.
