Governor Alex Otti Functionalises Two More PHCs In Bende, Nears 50-Target First Phase of ‘Project Ekwueme’
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has functionalised the Okpuhu Nkpa and Umuenyere Alayi Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Bende Local Government Area, bringing to 42 the number of PHCs made fully operational in the state under the first phase of the ‘Project Ekwueme’ primary healthcare revitalisation programme.
The Governor announced that the remaining eight PHCs earmarked for September will be completed within one week, achieving the target of 50 functional PHCs in the first phase.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, Governor Otti said the initiative ends over 24 years of neglect of rural healthcare, noting that his administration is not merely renovating facilities but equipping them with world-class infrastructure.
“In these PHCs, you will see multiple multi-parameter monitors that provide state-of-the-art monitoring of health indices.
We have automatic external defibrillators for cardiac emergencies, auto-analysers, incubators in the laboratory, oxygen cylinders and delivery devices, and state-of-the-art delivery rooms with first-rate beds and life-support equipment for both mother and child,” he said.
Otti also revealed government approval for an Isolation Centre at the historic Uzuakoli Leprosy Centre to handle infectious-disease cases.
Highlighting Nigeria’s contribution to 29% of global maternal mortality, he urged residents to patronise the upgraded PHCs and warned against the use of traditional birth attendants (TBAs):
“With our huge investment in primary healthcare and trained personnel, there is no reason to patronise unskilled workers. The government has resolved to arrest both unqualified attendants and those who engage them for deliveries,” he stated.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, an indigene of Alayi, said the community was not surprised by Otti’s fulfilment of campaign promises and pledged to safeguard the new facilities.
Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey, disclosed that 16 PHCs are being renovated and functionalised in Bende alone, lauding the Governor’s mission to reverse decades of decay. He called on stakeholders to “own the projects to guarantee their security and sustainability.”
The Executive Secretaries of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ulu Kalu Ulu, and the Abia State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Chiedozie Egwuonwu, urged residents to register for the Community-Based Social Health Insurance Programme to access affordable services and protect the new investments.
