Lagos — EDO State Government has earmarked the sum of N1.7billion in this year's budget for the construction of a New Central Hospital in Benin City.

The state governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole disclosed this at the weekend in a message to the foundation laying ceremony of a Tuberculosis Chest Ward donated to the State Central Hospital, Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area by Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, a Chevron Company and Operator of Agbami Field.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, the Governor said the gesture is in line with the State Government's quest for partnership with private sector in the control of Tuberculosis.

While calling on other organizations to emulate the example set by Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, he expressed his administration's irrevocable commitment to the fight against tuberculosis and all other communicable diseases in the state.

Governor Oshiomhole, who noted that 2,500 cases of tuberculosis are detected annually in the state, said that the State Ministry of Health is effectively channeling efforts towards the control of the disease through a well - coordinated programme with the assistance of the German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association and the Global Funds.

The governor described tuberculosis as a chronic, infectious bacterial disease, which if unchecked, is capable of claiming human lives.

Speaking at the occasion, the Otaru of Auchi, HRH Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe III paid glowing tribute to the State Government for its spirited efforts toward the provision of infrastructure in the state.

He noted that the Tuberculosis Ward is timely and prayed government to address the death of medical personnel at the Central Hospital, Auchi.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of the Company, Engineer Femi Odumabo, in his address presented by the Manager of the Department, Mr. Umaru Ribadu, explained that the company's gesture to the state is the fifth of such to different states in the southern part of Nigeria.