Abia Communities Tasked with Protecting Upgraded Health Facilities

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on communities in the state to take ownership of the newly upgraded primary healthcare centres. This appeal was made during the formal commissioning of the Amaokwe Item and Amaegbuato Nkpa Primary Health Centres in Bende Local Government Area. Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ogbonnaya Uche, emphasized that the state government has fulfilled its part by providing the facilities, and it is now the responsibility of the communities to protect them from vandalism and ensure their sustainability. He warned that any act of vandalism or misuse of the facilities would not be tolerated. The governor noted that the upgraded health centres are equipped with essential medical equipment, including ultrasound machines, auto analysers, oxygen units, and laboratory equipment, to improve healthcare services. Additionally, the facilities have been staffed with qualified nurses to provide round-the-clock services, while visiting doctors would offer specialized medical care when required. Otti also disclosed that the state government is constructing a specialist hospital at Umunnato General Hospital to further strengthen healthcare delivery in the area. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services across rural communities and underserved areas of the state. The Executive Secretary of the Abia Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Kalu Kalu, stated that the healthcare reforms are aimed at reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. He added that the government is working towards ensuring that every ward in the state has a functional and well-equipped primary healthcare centre with adequate personnel. The Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Mr Uwabunkeonye Bassey, commended the state government for its investment in the health sector, noting that 16 primary healthcare centres have been approved for upgrade in the local government area to improve access to quality healthcare services. The President-General of Amaokwe Item Welfare Union, Mr Harrison Okorie, and the Women's Wing President, Mrs Mercy Kesandu-Uko, expressed gratitude to the government for the interventions in the health sector, which they believe would improve access to quality healthcare services and contribute to increased life expectancy, particularly in rural communities.