Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has flagged off the reconstruction and remodelling of 200 primary healthcare facilities across the 184 Wards in Abia within 100 days tagged “Project Ekwueme”.
Performing the ceremony at Ngwu, Uzuakaoli Primary Health Centre in Bende LGA, Governor Otti disclosed that the primary health care facilities would have independent power supply from renewable energy sources, efficient water supply system, and other support infrastructure to improve the operational environment, preserve drug supplies and medical consumables.
“This initiative is set up to improve access to quality healthcare, especially in the rural communities, reduce exposure to quacks and fake drugs and effectively improve good health and longevity for the general populace.
“This initiative has been tagged “Project Ekwueme” by our team at the State Ministry of Health because it practically speaks to our commitment to fulfilling the key promises we made to change the health care delivery landscape in the State for the better,” Gov. Otti explained.
The Governor assured the use of high quality a materials for the construction process, adding that he would not tolerate any form of mediocrity as every contractor would be required to provide post-delivery infrastructure maintenance services for at least five years.
According to him the project is set up to benefit preseent and future generations of Ndi Abia by improving their maternal care, child birth management records and first level care to anyone who needs medical assistance and enjoined community leaders to protect the project from sabotage.
Speaking also, the member representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi who described the project as a landmark and assured that his people would protect the project.
In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche while highlighting the achievements of Governor Otti in health care delivery, recalled that the Governor did not just declared state of emergency in health care in the State but went ahead to allocate 15 percent of the total budget of 2024 and 2025 to health care.
He disclosed that the government is investing about N10.7 Billon in the entire “Project Ekwueme” and described primary health care as a very important state of health care services and made public that the project would be completed by February
Earlier, the Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey lauded the Governor for the project and said that it would reduce maternal mortality rate that is high in Bende LGA. described the Governor as an action Governor and assured that Bende people would continue to support him.
In their goodwill messages, Mr. Ifeanyi Chinasa, Matron in charge of Ngwu health centre, MRS Ihuoma Kalu and President General, Uzuakoli Development Union, Barr. Prince Okechukwu among others saluted the Governor’s decision to retrofit the primary health care facilities in the State and prayed God to bless him.
