The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, has offset the medical bills of patients and newborns at the General Hospital, Ikom in Ikom Local Government Area of the State.
Senator Williams paid the medical bills of the patients amounting to N3 million on Friday when he visited the them at the Holy Family Catholic Hospital, Ikom in the spirit of the Easter Celebration.
A total of 21 patients and newborns benefitted from the settlement of their outstanding medical bills by the senator.
Among the cases, the medical bills covered were critical surgeries, orthopedic treatments, and premature births requiring incubator care.
Some of the beneficiaries include Samiel Donatus, Tony Enya Mkpora, Joseph Ukobere, Omang Tony, Irene Ayambem, Paul Emmanuel, Ndifereke Abassey, Manyor Luisa Ndifon, and Endurance Ayang.
Others are Zion Kelvin, Mbeh Blessing, Roda Edoki, Okon Desmond and Daniel Amba.
Speaking on the gesture, Senator Williams said: “This Easter season when we celebrate Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we have to equally celebrate humanity.”
“No economic situation should prevent anyone from celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ or experiencing God’s faithfulness,” he added.
The Cross River State Central Senatorial District Senator, who was visibly moved by the plight of the patients, said: “So, we are here at the Holy Family Catholic Hospital to celebrate with those who cannot afford to be with us outside. All these in the spirit of love for one another which Christ preaches.
“I and my team wish them God’s intervention while we commend the management for a job well done. Here we have paid about N3 million hospital bills for those who have critical cases and do not have the cash for treatment. So, we wish them well.
“This action is not just a seasonal gesture but a reflection of Christ-like virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion. As of now, over 17 patients and two newborns with delicate conditions have been discharged and are now able to return home,” Senator Williams added.
In addition to footing medical bills, Senator Williams inspected the hospital facilities and assured the management that he would intervene to improve the quality of healthcare in the district
The state visiting consultant to the hospital, Dr Gilbert, commended the senator for his kind gesture, saying, “if everybody can once in a while do this, the world would be a better place for all of us. Most of them here are lying down on sick bed for various sickness.”
Some of the patients who spoke with our reporter thanked the senator for remembering them at the point of their need and at this period of the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.
A mother of one of the patients, Mrs Joy Bassey, said: “I am happy that God had answered our prayer. My son, Joseph Ukobere, 15, had an accident since February 27, 2025 and the knee bone is affected. I am from Obanliku.
“I thank God for bringing Sen Williams to the rescue. I have been praying to God for an intervention and it came today, Good Friday. My joy knows no bounds,” Mrs Bassey said.
A patient, Louisa Ndifon, who had a bike accident on Monday at Ikom Mile 2 Road by State Housing, said: “I feel happy today that Senator Williams has come to our aid. May God continue to bless him and his team for remembering us in this nick of time.”
Also speaking, another beneficiary, Mrs Mbeh Blessing, said: “He has rescued us when we couldn’t pay the bills. May God continue to bless him so that he can keep caring for his people as he’s doing.”
Senator Williams, who arrived the hospital at about 2:00 pm, was conducted round the wards by the hospital management and had some discussions with the patients at the end of which they prayed together calling on God for their quick recovery.
