We Will No Longer Witness Maternal Mortality in Abia – Gov. Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured that maternal mortality will soon be a thing of the past in the state, as his administration has provided all necessary facilities to meet the health needs of residents through well-equipped Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

Governor Otti made this known on Friday during the commissioning of the Urban 3 Primary Health Centre at Ugwuchara, Ward 3, in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, the Governor emphasized that PHCs serve as the first point of contact in the healthcare system and are capable of addressing over 80 percent of the health challenges faced by rural communities.

“Primary healthcare can cater for 80 percent of the health needs. In all the PHCs we have made functional, there has been no record of maternal mortality. We don’t want any pregnant woman in Abia to die. Pregnancy is a thing of joy,” Governor Otti stated.

He noted that the newly functionalised PHC is equipped with world-class medical facilities, including point-of-care auto scans, malaria and typhoid diagnostic machines, multi-parameter monitors, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) for cardiac emergencies.

Governor Otti further highlighted that the Urban 3 PHC, like others revitalised across the state, boasts a modern maternity ward, delivery room, laboratory, pharmacy, and consulting rooms, all stocked with genuine drugs. He urged residents to avoid quacks and patronise only licensed medical facilities.

The Governor also appealed to the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its protection, while encouraging them to support his administration and participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

In her remarks, the Health Authority of Umuahia North LGA, Mrs. Ngozi Eke, described the centre as a major milestone, noting that it was the first health facility of its kind in the area. She commended Governor Otti’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and appealed for improved security to safeguard the facility from vandals.

The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Medicines and Health Commodities Agency, Pharmacist Emeka Kalu Orji, lauded the Governor for establishing an agency dedicated to ensuring the availability of quality medicines in the state.

Community members, including Chief Chinedum Shadrack and Mrs. Emilia Iroegbu, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the project, describing it as a huge relief for women and children in the area. They pledged to help protect the facilities from damage.