The Abia State Government has called on traditional rulers, President Generals, and community leaders to take ownership of Primary Healthcare Centres and other public health facilities located in their domains.
The charge was given by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, during the inauguration of three newly renovated PHCs in the state.
The facilities, located at Asa Okpulo and Obuda Communities in Aba South Local Government Area, and Umuafor village in Obingwa LGA, have been equipped with brand new beds, vital signs monitors, radiant warmers, drugs, and other essential medical supplies.
Professor Uche warned that the government would not tolerate vandalism of the facilities, emphasizing Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to residents in both urban and rural areas.
“Your community is one of the communities that benefited from the first 200 health centres undergoing renovation. Therefore, you must endeavour to safeguard them,” the Commissioner stated. “Ensure that all the facilities brought to this facility are not vandalized or carted away by thieves because it cost some fortunes, and the government will not tolerate any such stories.”
He explained that the ongoing renovation of 200 PHCs aligns with the governor’s vision to improve healthcare access and reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. Qualified doctors and other health workers have already been deployed to the facilities to ensure quality service delivery.
“Pregnant women can come and see doctors and nurses here when the need arises. All the equipment that are required to take care of them, including ultrasound machines, are here,” Uche added, urging residents to utilize the centres for their healthcare needs.
In response, the traditional ruler of Asa Okpulo Community, HRH Eze Enyinnaya Uchenna Aron, commended Governor Otti for the intervention, describing it as unprecedented. He, however, appealed to the government to engage local youths as security personnel to guard the facilities.
“We assure the government that the leadership of the community will complement efforts to protect the facilities against vandals,” the monarch pledged.
The event also featured free medical screening and treatment for community members, further underscoring the state’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.