Governor Otti Urges Expansion of Medical Outreach, Reaffirms Healthcare as a Right for All

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reiterated that healthcare is a fundamental right and not a privilege, emphasizing that investments in the State’s health sector are aimed at improving the well-being of the people rather than generating financial returns.

Governor Otti made the remarks on Friday, December 19th, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, while receiving the medical team of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, led by Chairman Okey Agbara, during a medical outreach mission in the State.

“For us, spending on healthcare is about the lives and health of our people. Without health, nothing else matters. We don’t believe anyone should be denied healthcare due to inability to pay,” Governor Otti stated.

He expressed gratitude to the Diaspora Commission for supporting the State’s efforts to democratize healthcare and encouraged an extension of the medical mission. “If you have done this much in just a few days, imagine what could be achieved with another week or two,” he added.

The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, and other top government officials, highlighting the State’s strategic health interventions, including free medical outreaches, health insurance programs, and collaborations with global health organizations.

Prof. Uche disclosed that over 10,000 adults have benefited from medical outreach programs, with more than 120 surgeries performed, significantly improving the lives of residents across the State.

Chairman of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Mr. Okey Agbara, praised Governor Otti’s commitment to healthcare and announced the Commission’s support through training of healthcare professionals and provision of universal healthcare services.

The event was attended by Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Chief of Staff to the Governor, and other senior government officials, including the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu.