The Abia State Government has reaffirmed that the healthcare needs of its citizens will remain a top administrative priority.
This commitment was emphasised by the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, during the official functionalization of the Nkwoegwu and Ogbodinibe primary healthcare centres in Umuahia on Tuesday.
Professor Uche revealed that upon taking office, Governor Alex Otti inherited a dire situation with over 900 primary healthcare centres across the state in deplorable condition.
This poor state of infrastructure had previously exposed vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and their children, to significant danger.
In response to this crisis, the governor declared a state of emergency in the health sector, initiating an ambitious project to build and rehabilitate primary healthcare centres across all 17 Local Government Areas. The core objective of this initiative is to bring quality and affordable medical services closer to the people.
The Commissioner pointed to the government’s decision to allocate 15 per cent of the state’s 2024 and 2025 budgets to healthcare as a pivotal action that is already yielding positive results.
He noted a growing trend of residents now utilising the newly equipped government facilities. Professor Uche specifically advised pregnant women to patronise these state healthcare facilities instead of relying on traditional birth attendants. He explained that the government had discovered serious issues arising from deliveries performed by traditional attendants, citing a critical lack of necessary facilities and professional medical skills to handle potential complications.
Also present at the event was the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Obinna Aguocha, who expressed confidence that the new facilities would significantly improve the well-being of his constituents.
Also Read:
Former Super Eagles Star Friday Ekpo Remains Optimistic About Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes
Katsina Governor Radda Highlights Severe Impact of Insecurity in Eight LGA
Senator Melaye Declares PDP Dead and Controlled by Ruling Party
cc: Daily Post NG
