Two hundred and fifty Quantum convertible pressure-relief hospital mattresses have been donated to Nigeria by Joliet’s Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center recently.
A new version of the mattress goes for about $1000 according to Janet Long, image-maker for the 100-year old hospital.
“It is rewarding for us that we can help people across the ocean. We are happy that it could be put to use by an hospital in Nigeria,” John J. Short, a vice president with the hospital who handed the mattresses to Chief Emeka Daniel Ibekwe, chairman PDP, Chicago branch said during the occasion.
Chief Ibekwe praised the hospital for the gesture and prayed that God will continue to guide them in their quest for excellent health care in the neighborhood and urged the hospital to consider setting-up a satellite hospital in Nigeria.
Chief Emeka’s deputy Dr. Zaccheaus O. Joseph was enthusiasistic about the donation and pleaded that other hospital equipment being replaced by the hospital could be donated to Nigeria through the party.
Short and other PDP party stalwarts praised Ben Muoghalu, a Nigerian-American and Provena’s director of pharmacy who facilitated the donation to the party.
“There will be more opportunity and we will always consider Nigeria,” Short said.
Chief Ibekwe explained that some mattresses would be sent to Onitsha for distribution. He praised Ben Muoghalu for making the donation a reality.
Just last month, Cook County donated hospital equipment worth 250 million naira to Lagos state after a visit by His Royal Highness Oba Rilwan Akiolu and Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos state.
Dr. Shaffdeen Amuwo, in an e-mail message to The Chicago Inquirer confirmed the donation and said its inventory were still be taking.
