Abia State Launches Free Medical Outreach and Announces 200 New Health Centres
Ugwunagbo, Abia State — In a significant move to enhance healthcare delivery, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the wife of the Executive Governor of Abia State, has initiated a three-day free medical outreach at the SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area. This outreach, organized in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, aims to provide essential medical services and improve the health of local residents.
During the flag-off ceremony, Mrs. Otti underscored the administration's commitment to ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for all citizens. She encouraged residents to take full advantage of the services available, emphasizing that this initiative aligns with the government’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
“This is not the first time this administration has conducted a free medical outreach, and it certainly won’t be the last,” Mrs. Otti stated. She highlighted the importance of safeguarding the hospital's facilities, noting that protecting such infrastructure is crucial for the community's long-term health interests.
In a landmark 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 a key part of the administration’s broader healthcare reform strategy aimed at enhancing access to quality medical services statewide.
Mrs. Otti also took the opportunity to tour the 100-bed SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital to evaluate its readiness for emergencies and ensure it can deliver high-quality care. She pointed out that the hospital’s establishment is a result of collaboration between the Otti administration and the federal government, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which emphasizes 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 stated. Additionally, Mrs. Otti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free healthcare services to specific vulnerable groups, including individuals over 70 years of age, children under five, and pregnant women, as part of the state’s healthcare insurance scheme.
The ongoing medical outreach offers a comprehensive range of services, such as eye care, prenatal care, pediatrics, laboratory tests, medications, and surgical procedures, making vital healthcare accessible to the community.
Also addressing attendees, Dr. Ogbonnaya Uche, the Abia State Commissioner for Health, along with Dr. Odochi Azubuike, the CEO of the Hospital Management Board, urged participants to cooperate with medical personnel for an efficient process. Dr. Uche reiterated the governor's commitment to constructing over 200 health centres to further boost healthcare infrastructure across the state.
Mr. Emeka Nosike, the Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and the federal government for their ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure throughout Abia State.
As Abia State embarks on this ambitious healthcare initiative, the commitment to enhancing the well-being of its citizens remains paramount.
