Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has flagged off the renovation of 200 primary healthcare facilities across the 184 political Wards in Abia State.
The renovation is to be completed within 100 days.
Flagging off the project tagged: “Project Ekwueme,” at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Ngwu, Uzuakaoli in Bende Local Government Area, Governor Otti said that it was in pursuit of the broad objectives for the healthcare delivery system that he initiated the project.
The project, according to the Governor, is aimed at improving the people’s access to quality health care.
He said: “This initiative is set up to improve access to quality healthcare, especially in the rural communities, reduce exposure to quacks and fake drugs and effectively improve good health and longevity for the general populace.
“This initiative has been tagged “Project Ekwueme” by our team at the State Ministry of Health because it practically speaks to our commitment to fulfilling the key promises we made to change the healthcare delivery landscape in the State for the better,” Gov. Otti explained.
Governor Otti said the PHCs would have their independent power supply from renewable energy sources, efficient water supply system, and other support infrastructure to improve the operational environment, preserve drug supplies and medical consumables.
The Governor expressed the commitment of his administration to the using of high quality and durable materials for the rehabilitation process and assured that he would not tolerate any form of mediocrity as every contractor would be required to provide post-delivery infrastructure maintenance services at the facilities for at least five years.
The State Chef Executive said that the project is set up to benefit present and future generations of Ndi Abia by improving their maternal care, child birth management records and first level care to anyone who needs medical assistance on a round-the-clock basis.
He encouraged community leaders and other stakeholders to be part of the project monitoring efforts and ensure that acts of sabotage against the facilities are frustrated.
Speaking also, the member representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi while describing the project as a landmark one said that he is convinced that the Governor is willing to develop Abia. He assured that his people would protect the project.
In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, while highlighting the achievements of Governor Otti in healthcare delivery, recalled that the Governor did not just declared state of emergency in healthcare in the State but went ahead to allocate 15 percent of the total budget of 2024 and 2025 to healthcare.
He disclosed that the Government is investing about N10.7 Billon in the entire “Project Ekwueme” and described primary healthcare as a very important state of health care services as it is not only the first point of call but addresses the 3rd objective of SDGs. He informed the gathering that the project would be completed by February, 2025.
Earlier, the Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey, who lauded the Governor for the project and said that it would reduce maternal mortality rate that is high in Bende LGA, described the Governor as an action Governor and assured that Bende people would continue to support him.
In their goodwill messages, the Abia State Government National Assembly Liaison Officer, Mr Ifeanyi Chinasa; the Matron in charge of Ngwu Health Centre, Mrs Ihuoma Kalu; and President General, Uzuakoli Development Union; Prince Okechukwu, among others, saluted the Governor’s decision to renovate the PHCs in the state.
