NEWS
Abia’s Healthcare Revolution Deepens as Gov. Alex Otti Commissions Ultra-Modern PHC in Aba South
…as Gov. Alex Otti Declares “I Don’t Want Maternal Mortality in My State.”
The transformation of primary healthcare delivery in Abia State received another major boost as the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti commissioned a newly built and fully equipped Primary Health Centre at No. 1 School Road in Aba South Local Government Area.
The project, commissioned on behalf of the Governor by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, further underscored the administration’s determination to reposition healthcare at the grassroots and ensure that quality medical services are accessible to ordinary citizens across the state.
The event, hosted by the Executive Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Obialor Anyanwu, drew health officials, community leaders, women groups, and residents who gathered to witness what many described as another milestone in the ongoing rebuilding of Abia’s healthcare sector.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Uche revealed that the newly commissioned facility represents the 123rd health centre upgraded under the present administration out of the 200 facilities currently undergoing renovation and modernization across the state. He noted that the standard of the facility surpasses national benchmarks, describing it as the “Abia PHC Standard,” a new model designed to redefine primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The Commissioner stressed that the Otti led-administration remains committed to reducing maternal mortality and improving child healthcare, emphasizing that no woman should lose her life while giving birth due to lack of quality medical attention.
In her remarks, the Secretary of Aba South Health Authority, Mrs. Uchechi Enyinnaya, commended Governor Otti for providing sophisticated medical equipment rarely found even in some general hospitals. She encouraged residents to maximize the opportunities provided by the upgraded health centres and support government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
She equally praised the support and commitment demonstrated by the Aba South Mayor toward strengthening the health sector within the local government.
The Mayor of Aba South LGA, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu, while welcoming the Commissioner and other dignitaries, reaffirmed Aba South’s support for Governor Otti’s administration, describing the Governor’s developmental strides as visible and impactful. He called on residents to actively participate in the democratic process by registering as voters and ensuring they exercise their civic responsibility during elections.
Community stakeholders also expressed appreciation to the state government for bringing the healthcare project to the area.
High Chief Ejike Nwamkpa, who represented HRH Eze Ogbonna of Eziukwu Aba, thanked Governor Otti for the intervention and appealed for similar attention to be extended to the Asaokpuaja Health Centre. He also called for adequate security around the facility to safeguard the equipment and infrastructure.
Similarly, the Deputy Chairlady of Eziukwu Women, Ugoeze Ugochi Ibenji, applauded the state government for the initiative and urged that more communities within the area benefit from similar healthcare projects.
Responding to the appeals, Prof. Uche urged members of the host community to treat the facility as a collective asset and protect it from vandalism and theft. He warned against allowing criminal elements to tamper with government property and charged health workers to maintain a clean and healthy environment at all times.
The upgraded Primary Health Centre is equipped to provide essential healthcare services including immunization, malaria treatment, laboratory investigations, antenatal care, family planning services, and safe delivery facilities for pregnant women.
The Commissioner also encouraged residents to enroll in health insurance schemes to enable them access affordable and subsidized healthcare services, reiterating the government’s commitment to building a healthier and more productive Abia State.