PHC in Abia records rare emergency caesarean, delivers twin boys

A primary healthcare facility in Abia State has recorded a rare medical success after performing an emergency caesarean section that resulted in the safe delivery of twin babies.

The procedure took place at the newly upgraded Ohiya Primary Healthcare Centre in Umuahia South Local Government Area, where a 24-year-old woman, Mrs Chikamso Ibekwe, who developed severe pregnancy complications, was delivered of twin boys on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Health officials said the woman had been suffering from eclampsia, a life-threatening condition characterised by seizures and dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy. The twins reportedly weighed 3.2 kilogrammes each at birth.

Speaking during a visit to the facility on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, described the successful operation as a milestone for the state’s primary healthcare system.

He said the outcome reflects the impact of Governor Alex Otti’s health sector reforms under the Project Ekwueme initiative, which focuses on upgrading primary healthcare facilities across the state.

According to the commissioner, the availability of essential medical equipment, drugs, oxygen supply and skilled health personnel made it possible for the emergency procedure to be carried out at a primary healthcare centre – something that was previously uncommon.

Uche noted that eclampsia remains a major cause of maternal and infant deaths, stressing that the prompt intervention by the medical team likely prevented a tragic outcome.

He disclosed that the state government was exploring plans to introduce roving medical teams that would respond quickly to emergencies in communities, particularly in rural areas, as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce maternal mortality.

The doctor who performed the surgery, Dr Joseph Ngene, said the patient arrived at the facility in a critical state, with extremely high blood pressure and repeated seizures.

He explained that the medical team first stabilised her condition and managed the seizures before proceeding with the emergency caesarean section, which resulted in the safe delivery of the twins.

Ngene added that both the mother and the newborns responded positively to treatment and were in stable condition.

Also commenting on the development, the Health Authority Secretary of Umuahia South LGA, Mrs Eucharia Igwe, said the success was made possible by the recent upgrade of the facility by the state government.

She stated that the centre now has trained personnel and improved facilities capable of handling emergency cases, assuring residents that access to quality healthcare services in the area has significantly improved.

Reacting to the development, the Deputy Traditional Prime Minister of Ohiya Autonomous Community, Chief Ubadire Agoha, commended the state government for investing in the health sector, noting that the intervention was already benefiting residents.

The patient’s husband, Mr Patrick Ibekwe, also expressed gratitude to the government and medical team, describing the intervention as life-saving.

The mechanic, who reportedly received financial support from the state government, said the improved healthcare facility had brought relief to residents of the community and prayed for the continued success of the administration’s programmes.