Health
Gov. Otti flags off N10.7bn primary healthcare project
Dr. Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, has flagged -off the rehabilitation, remodeling and retrofitting of 200 primary healthcare facilities across the 184 Wards of Abia within 100 days.
Tagged: “Project Ekwueme,” the entire project, which started late last year is expected to be completed by February, 2025 at an estimated cost of N10.7 billion
The project is initiated to see the State Government renovate and provide operational infrastructure to 200 primary healthcare facilities across the 184 wards in the state within the next 100 days.
Again, it is set up to benefit the 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.
Performing the ceremony at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Ngwu, Uzuakaoli in Bende LGA, Governor Otti explained that the import of the project is in pursuit of the broad objectives for the healthcare delivery system that he initiated the project.
According to the governor, “This initiative is designed to improve access to quality healthcare, especially, in the rural communities, reduce exposure to quacks and fake drugs as ell as effectively improve good health and longevity for the general populace.
” 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”.
He further explained that the primary healthcare facilities in all parts of the State would have its 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 use 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.
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.
In his emark, the member representing Bende –South in Abia state House of Assembly, Mr, Emmanuel Ndubuisi described the project as a landmark one and assured that his people would protect the project.
In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche while highlighting the achievements Government in the healthcare delivery, recalled that the Governor did not just declare a ‘state of emergency’ in the healthcare in the State, but went ahead to allocate 15 percent of the total budget of 2024 and 2025, respectively, to the health sector.
He 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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Earlier, the Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey thanked the state government for initiating the project and said that it would reduce maternal mortality rate which is said to be high in Bende LGA and assured that Bende people would continue to support him.
