By Yahaya Idris, Abia
Abia State’s healthcare delivery system is set to receive a boost as Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, wife of the Executive Governor, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health, launches a three-day complimentary medical outreach at the SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital in Etitiala Autonomous Community, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.
During the inaugural ceremony, Mrs. Otti stressed that enhancing access to quality healthcare constitutes a paramount objective of the present administration. She encouraged Ugwunagbo residents to capitalize on this initiative, noting its purpose is to bolster community health and welfare while exemplifying the government’s dedication to universal healthcare accessibility.
“This administration has consistently demonstrated its dedication to providing free medical services, with plans to continue this vital work. Mrs. Otti stressed the importance of community stewardship in protecting hospital facilities, underscoring how this collective responsibility serves the greater good.”
In a major policy declaration, Mrs. Otti announced that Governor Alex Otti has approved the establishment of 200 primary health centres across Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas, furthering the administration’s overarching healthcare reform goals of improving access to quality medical services across the state.
A statement issued by Ndubueze Justice, Press Secretary to the Wife of the Governor, said Mrs. Otti personally led the medical outreach and conducted a thorough inspection of the 100-bed SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital to gauge its readiness for emergency situations and provision of high-quality medical services. She noted that the hospital’s establishment in Ugwunagbo was a collaborative achievement between the Otti administration and federal authorities, aligned with UN SDG 3’s objective of ensuring universal access to healthcare and wellness.
“This initiative marks a major milestone in our efforts to enhance healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and promote the overall well-being of our communities,” she remarked. Mrs. Otti also reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing free healthcare to vulnerable groups under the state’s healthcare insurance scheme. “Individuals over 70 years of age, children under five, and pregnant women will receive free healthcare services,” she added.
The medical outreach offers a broad range of services, including eye care, prenatal care, pediatrics, laboratory tests, medication, and surgical procedures.
Also speaking at the event, the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ogbonnaya Uche, and the CEO of the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike, encouraged participants to cooperate with medical personnel and follow the outlined procedures for a smooth and efficient process. Dr. Uche also confirmed that the governor had approved the construction of over 200 health centres across the state’s 17 LGAs, a move designed to further boost healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.
Mr. Emeka Nosike, the Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and the federal government for their continued efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, not only in Ugwunagbo but across the entire state.
