By Hon. Cllr. Celia Osakwe-Hibbert
05/07/2021
Happy 73rd Birthday to NHS, whoms principles were implemented by the Labour government on July 5th 1948. The National Health Service (NHS) was a product of years of hard work from various groups and individuals who believed that ‘Health is Wealth’, hence believed that healthcare should be a basic right to all.
As an Imo Diasporan resident in the United Kingdom, I join Millions of U.K Residents particularly Imolites resident in the U.K to appreciate the 73rd year anniversary of the NHS today. As Governor Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Diaspora for just over a year, I recall that one of the major pieces of strategy my office was working on in collaboration with Mrs. Lina Okereke’s Office (SA Health to Gov. Uzodimma) was the bold concept of ‘Diaspora Health Care Revolution’ in Imo. Just like principles of ‘NHS’ my proposal was unapologetically radical and pioneering, a plan to make healthcare no longer exclusive to those who could afford it but to make it accessible to everyone. In line with the 3R Government ambitions.
Governor Uzodimma has successfully improved the IMSUTH facility in Orlu, provided newer ambulances and rural mobile clinics plus several other health care initiatives. The Governor’s work in this sector can be complimented, supported and expanded by IMO Diaspora HealthCare Legion.
I believe Imo Diasporans have the required motivation, ingenuity, commitment and orientation to embark on this community changing project that will see the drastic improvement in the average life expectancy of anyone resident in Imo.
P.S: Photo is of Hon. Cllr. Celia Osakwe-Hibbert, leading a campaign to save the NHS with her Party Members in the United Kingdom, when the principles of NHS came under threat from the opposition Party.
