FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has restated the determination of the present administration to change the healthcare narratives in the State through the provision of adequate health care.
Dr Ikpeazu who stated this when Members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors paid him a courtesy visit at Govt House, Umuahia disclosed that in its commitment to bring quality health care to the remotest part of the State, Govt established and equipped about 737 Primary Health Centers as well as General Hospitals across the Senatorial Zones of the State.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu further recalled that Abia was among the States that ensured that great number of Abians were vaccinated during the COVID-19 era as well as massive immunization of children against communicable diseases which earned earned them a National award.
He noted that the recent building and commissioning of the Mother and Child Hospital in Umuahia are all efforts of Govt geared towards addressing the issues of Mother and Infant mortality and reassured the delegation of Govt’s commitment and sincerity to address all the bottlenecks surrounding payment of salaries of medical workers in the State while appreciating them for acknowledging their modest achievements across the State.
Earlier in his speech, the National President, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Dare -Godiya Ishaya who said they are in the State for their Annual General Meeting commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s led Govt for not only embarking on infrastructural development across the State especially the commissioning of the Osissioma Interchange which has helped ease traffic around the area among others.
Dr Ishaya further lauded the State Govt for making the overall well being of citizens paramount through the provision of affordable health care services, establishment of Primary Health Centers, release of funds for payment of salaries of medical workers in addition to ensuring adequate security of lives and property.
The Commissioner for Boundary Matters and Conflict Resolution, Chief Godwin Ndom, his Health Counterpart, Dr Joe Osuji represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lady Franca Ekwueme, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Chinagozi Adindu and other stakeholders in the health sector were present during the visit.
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has charged Resident Doctors to brainstorm and re-strategize on practical means of finding solutions to challenges facing the medical profession in the Country.
Dr Ikpeazu who gave the charge during the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia said Govermemt on its part is working assiduously to revamp the health sector by improving on all it’s health facilities across the State.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu pointed out that, having recognized that it is worthwhile governing healthy citizens, the present administration ensured that a Primary Health Center is built and equipped in all the electoral wards as well as rehabilitation of General Hospitals and the introduction of a new medical technique known as “Dial A Doc” to enable people in the rural areas quickly access medical attention.
He described the Theme of their Meeting “Lasting Strategies For Health Care Development In Nigeria: A Panacea For Preventing Industrial Actions And Brain Drain” as very apt considering the alarming number of Doctors leaving the Country and expressed optimism that the event will afford them the opportunity of taking stock of their activities so far and map out means of enhancing their welfare and move the Association forward.
In his address, the National President NARD, Dr Dare- Godiya Ishaya said the health care sector more than ever before needs lasting strategies for its Development, Postgraduate Residency Training, seamless continuous Employment,Health Infrastructure Development among others and disclosed that the meeting will enable them appraise their efforts in the last year, progresses and chart a way forward.
Also in his address, the Local Organizing Committee Chairman, NARD, Dr Orji Emeka Innocent said they look forward to robust discussions that would set the stage for revamping the health sector in Nigeria and repositioning NARD as a major stakeholder in the sector and appreciated the Governors of Abia and Enugu States and everyone for their support.
The Meeting which featured presentation of Lectures by various Resource Persons attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji, Top Govt Officials, Traditional Rulers and Medical Personnels among other Dignitaries.
