Otti Commissions Upgraded Alaukwu PHC, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Healthcare

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has continued the functionalisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state under Project Ekwueme, with the official commissioning of the retrofitted Alaukwu Ward Primary Health Centre in Umuagu, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Omoba, Governor Otti said the rehabilitation and equipping of primary healthcare facilities were aimed at bringing quality and affordable healthcare services closer to the people.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, the governor stated that the upgraded centre is fully equipped to meet the healthcare needs of residents, noting that the facility boasts modern medical equipment comparable to those found in advanced countries.

“We are bringing healthcare to the people. If you enter this primary health centre, you will see equipment similar to what you have in London. Even the labour room has facilities comparable to those in well-equipped teaching hospitals,” he said.

Governor Otti further disclosed that his administration has consistently allocated 15 per cent of the state budget to the health sector, in line with the United Nations’ recommended benchmark, making Abia one of the few states to meet the global standard.

He also revealed that one medical doctor has been deployed to each of the 17 local government areas to oversee primary healthcare centres and ensure effective service delivery.

The governor urged residents to take ownership of the facility and other government infrastructure in their communities, stressing the need to safeguard them against vandalism.

In his remarks, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Dennis Rowland Chinwendu, commended the governor for providing the facility and assured that his constituents would protect and utilise it responsibly. He also lauded the administration’s broader achievements across the state.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Abia State Debt Management Office, Dr. Kingsley Nwaigburu, praised the governor’s developmental strides in Isiala Ngwa South and other parts of the state, urging residents to continue supporting the administration.

Earlier, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, represented by the Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Vivian Obilor, expressed appreciation to the governor for renovating and retrofitting the health centre, encouraging residents to make full use of the facility.

The Health Administration Secretary for the LGA, Mrs. Nkechi Chima, advised residents to shun unqualified medical practitioners and patronise the well-equipped public health centres for their medical needs.

In a vote of thanks, the Labour Party Chairman in Isiala Ngwa South LGA commended the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises and called on eligible residents to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

The commissioning marks another milestone in the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services at the grassroots.