FIC Report (Abia State) – In a bid to strengthen healthcare delivery in Abia State, the wife of the Executive Governor,Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, has launched a three-day free medical outreach at the SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital in Etitiala Autonomous Community, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mrs. Otti emphasized that providing access to quality healthcare remains a top priority of the current administration. She urged the residents of Ugwunagbo to take advantage of this opportunity, stating that the initiative is designed to enhance the health and well-being of the community and underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
“This is not the first time this administration has conducted a free medical outreach, and it certainly won’t be the last. We are committed to making this an ongoing effort, especially for vulnerable groups in our society,” Mrs. Otti said. She also called on the community to safeguard the hospital’s facilities, noting that protecting the infrastructure would serve the best interests of the people.
In a significant announcement, Mrs. Otti revealed that Governor Alex Otti has approved the establishment of 200 primary health centres across Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas. This initiative is part of the administration’s broader healthcare reform, aimed at improving access to quality medical services across the state.
Mrs. Otti personally oversaw the medical outreach and toured the 100-bed SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital to assess its readiness for handling emergencies and delivering high-quality care. She highlighted that the establishment of the hospital in Ugwunagbo is a product of collaboration between the Otti administration and the federal government, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on health and well-being for all.
“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.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, Abia State
