Otti urges communities to protect upgraded health centres

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called on communities to take care of newly upgraded primary healthcare centres. He wants them to protect these centres from vandalism to keep providing good healthcare.

Mr Otti made this statement on Thursday when he officially opened the Amaokwe Item and Amaegbuato Nkpa primary health centres in Bende Local Government Area.

He was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Ogbonnaya Uche. The governor said these centres are part of ongoing healthcare reforms. He noted that about nine PHCs are now operational in the area.

“Government has provided these facilities; it is now the responsibility of the communities to protect and sustain them because vandalism or misuse will not be tolerated,” he warned.

Mr Otti mentioned that the upgraded centres come with important medical tools. These include ultrasound machines, auto analysers, oxygen units, and lab equipment to enhance healthcare services.

He added that the centres have qualified nurses to provide services 24/7. Visiting doctors will also be available to offer specialized medical care when needed.

The governor shared that the state government is building a specialist hospital at Umunnato General Hospital to further strengthen healthcare delivery in the area.

He emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in rural communities and areas that are not well served.

Kalu Kalu, the Executive Secretary of the Abia Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the reforms aim to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.

Mr Kalu stated that the government is working to ensure every ward in the state has a well-equipped and functional primary healthcare centre with enough staff.

Uwabunkeonye Bassey, the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, praised the state government for its significant investment in the health sector.

Mr Bassey mentioned that 16 primary healthcare centres have been approved for upgrade in the local government area to enhance access to quality healthcare services.

In separate comments, Harrison Okorie, the President-General of Amaokwe Item Welfare Union, and Mercy Kesandu-Uko, the Women’s Wing President, thanked the government.

They said these health sector improvements will help provide better access to quality healthcare and increase life expectancy, especially in rural communities.