Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said his administration is not only reviving primary healthcare centres across the state but equipping them with facilities that meet global standards.
Otti, who spoke during the commissioning of the Okpuhu Nkpa and Umuenyere Alayi Primary Healthcare Centres in Bende Local Government Area, described the projects as part of his “Project Ekwueme” initiative. He was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Enoch Uche.
The governor explained that the programme, which targets 50 centres this month, had so far delivered 42, bringing an end to what he described as more than two decades of neglect of the state’s healthcare system.
His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, a native of Alayi, thanked the governor for keeping faith with the promises he made during the 2023 campaign, noting that the communities were excited to see the projects come to life.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Bende, Uwabunkeonye Bassey, called on residents to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their sustainability and security.
The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ulu Kalu-Ulu, and his counterpart at the Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Chiedozie Egwuonwu, both stressed the importance of the centres. They urged residents to enrol in the Basic Health Fund through the community-based health insurance scheme to enjoy quality and affordable healthcare services.
