By Mary Bassey
Following the 21 days quit notice issued to Tulsi Chanrai Foundation by the Cross River State Government, the foundation has appealed to the governor-elect, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu to intervene.
In a letter obtained by CrossRiverWatch with a reference number MLH/ED/42/VOL1, signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Shravan Kasam, and routed through Hon. Alex Egbona said they have nowhere to go and the timing was short.
It reads in part: “Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) is a not-for-profit organization and under the cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning is implementing various programs across Nigeria. So far, TCF has performed over 160,000 free eye surgeries, reached more than 4 million population with free quality primary health care services, and provided access to safe and clean water to over 4 million population through rehabilitation of over 8300 boreholes across Nigeria.
“As part of our mission for vision, to eliminate avoidable blindness in Nigeria, we conduct free eye surgeries at Cross River State, Kebbi State, and FCT in partnership with respective state governments. Cross River State has been our heart of the programs where TCF has implemented all its programs successfully.
“TCF has strengthened the Primary Health Care services across the state for 8 years. We have scaled health facilities from 160 to 1080 centers across 18 LGAS; identified, placed, and trained medical and para-medical staff and provided technical support in monitoring and mentoring for effective program implementation.
“In Oct 2003, TCF established an eye center in the General Hospital, Calabar. So far, we have conducted over 45,495 free eye surgeries helping Cross-Riverains and other Nigerian brothers and sisters to restore their eyesight and enhance their quality of life. TCF has rehabilitated over 520 boreholes across the state to provide access to safe and clean water for the communities.
“For the eye project in Cross River state, since 2003, the government has been providing accommodation and security to expatriate staff; required machinery and para-medical staff at the hospital for conducting surgeries and other logistics support. Similarly, TCF has been providing expatriate ophthalmic experts (surgeon and program manager), drugs & consumables and conducting free surgeries for the people.
“To our surprise, we are in receipt of a communication dated April 25, 2023, and received on May 05, 2023, to quit the residence provided to us, as the government has sold the property. Currently, neither the letter has provided us with an alternative residence, nor we do have any other alternative.
“We request your kind intervention and support to enable us for smooth implementation of the programs that help thousands of Cross Riverain and others in enhancing their life. In conclusion, the TCF reiterated and assured the Cross River State Government of their support and commitment to health services across the state and looks forward to a favorable consideration from the Governor.”
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