Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has commended the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, ANPA, over the choice of Abia State for its 2024 medical mission.
Otti who made the commendation during a banquet organised in honour of the visiting ANPA medical team at the Government House Umuahia, said that his administration would continue to give priority to the health sector.
He noted that it was a privilege to have such a team of professionals coming to render free medical treatments and surgeries to the people of the state.
The Governor expressed satisfaction over the feedbacks so far from the field, saying “they are very positive.”
Otti said: “We are very happy that you came. It’s a favour that you are doing for us. We cannot take it for granted. You flew from from the US, you came with equipment. The least we can do is to do our own counterpart. We are grateful, thank you for coming to Abia State.”
Governor Otti promised to invest more in the development of the health sector to provide quality health service delivery to the people.
In her remark, Commissioner for Health , Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, appreciated members of ANPA for coming to support the efforts of the present administration in Abia State.
She said that the decision of the Otti-led administration to allocate 15% of the 2024 budget to the health sector was a confirmation of the high premium the Governor placed on health.
The Commissioner also expressed delight over the successes so far recorded in the mission, saying that many surgeries have been conducted by the ANPA team.
She noted that the association had equally held trainings for medical personnel and student doctors in the state to enhance their capacity.
Speaking at the event, ANPA President, Dr Chinyere Anyaogu, thanked Governor Otti for the warm reception accorded to the team.
She said that ANPA would like to sustain its medical mission in the state.
Meanwhile, the dinner which also featured the 40th birthday celebration of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, attracted many diginitaries including, the President of World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Other dignitaries include wife of the Governor, Mrs Chidinma Otti; members of the State Executive Council; the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Chief Medical Director CMD, of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Professor Azubuike Onyebuchi; among others.
