Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than 4,700 pensioners in Abia State have been enrolled to receive free medical treatment in both the primary and secondary health facilities across the state, under the state’s Health Insurance Scheme.
This is as Gov. Alex Otti, has ordered the immediate restoration of power supplies to Government offices and facilities in the state.
The Governor also ordered the boosting of security, lighting up of the premises and proper perimeter fencing of the various hospitals to secure the facilities against unauthorised access.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko, said that those so far enrolled were pensioners who, prior to retirement from the civil service, were not above the level of Deputy Director.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, said the scheme was to improve the health of Abians.
The Commissioner, according to the statement, decried the non-availability of power in Government offices and facilities.
“If there are bills to be paid, we’ll pay them and get the facilities reconnected. We cannot afford to have government offices and facilities without electricity.”
According to the statement, a number of health facilities in the state, have been renovated including the general hospitals at Amachara, Okpuala Ngwa, Umunnato and a cottage hospital in Aba.
The Commissioner regretted that thieves had at different times taken advantage of lack of security and proper illumination in the various facilities to break into the hospitals and cart away equipment and other valuables meant to serve the health needs of the people.
