Governor Alex Otti Launches N10.78bn Project to Revamp Abia State’s Primary Healthcare Centers

In historic move to address long-standing challenges plaguing Abia The State health sector, Governor Alex Otti has launched a N10.78 billion project to rehabilitate and upgrade 200 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) across the state.

The ambitious initiative unveiled on Monday at the Ngwu Primary Health Care Center in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, is expected to be completed within 100 days.

The project, called Project Ekwueme, constitutes a central element of the At Otti’s a broader governance program, who gives priority health care and education as the foundation of the socio-economic development of the State.

The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, described the “project 200 SSP in 100 days» as a means of distributing the dividends of democracy.

“This project, costing a staggering N10.78 billion, covers sites easily identifiable when moving around Abia, clearly making the state a healthcare construction site,» he said.

Years of mismanagement and neglect under previous administrations have left that of Abia The health and education sectors are in ruins. Poor infrastructure, understaffing and a lack of resources have created a significant void, leaving many communities without access to public services. basic health services.

At Otti’s administration look for Reverse this legacy of neglect through a multi-pronged approach to governance, starting with the health sector. Otti aims to restore public confidence in government services and ensure access to quality health care for all residents, especially those in rural communities, by rehabilitating 200 SSPs and equipping them with modern facilities.

The governor stressed that an effective health system is not only vital for individual well-being, but also crucial for the broader socio-economic growth of the state. As part of the Ekwueme project, the selected PHCs will be subject to a renovation, with renewable energy solutions, water supply systems and secure storage for medicines and medical consumables.

The initiative also aims to curb the proliferation of quack doctors and fake medicines, both of which are rampant in underserved areas due to the absence of functional health facilities.

Otti assured that high quality materials would be used at every stage of the construction process, with contractors required to provide post-delivery maintenance for at least five years. Additionally, community leaders and stakeholders were tasked with monitoring projects to ensure accountability.

“WWe are committed to using high-quality, durable materials at every stage of the construction process because they are ours. We will not tolerate any form of mediocrity and every contractor will be required to provide post-delivery infrastructure maintenance services for at least five years.

“CCommunity leaders and other stakeholder groups are encouraged to participate in project monitoring and evaluation efforts. Any acts of sabotage or attempted theft from facilities will result in serious consequences from the government, with the cooperation of our people.» he said.

Education: the next frontier

Along with health care reforms, Otti also outlined plans to overhaul the health care system. the state education sector. that of Abia The schools, like its health centers, have suffered from years of neglect, with dilapidated buildings, unpaid teachers’ salaries and a lack of basic teaching materials becoming the norm.

To resolve this issue, At Otti’s The administration has prioritized education as a key area of ​​immediate intervention. Packages include the rehabilitation of public schools, improved teacher well-beingand partnerships with private organizations to provide modern learning tools and technologies.

The governor explained that investments in education and health care are interconnected and essential for sustainable development.

The healthcare initiative, designed with sustainability in mind, will also include:

1. Training programs for medical personnel: to ensure that healthcare workers are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.
2. Community involvement: leaders and stakeholders play a critical role in monitoring progress and maintaining facilities.
3. Robust security measures: To prevent sabotage and theft, security agencies are mandated to supervise all project sites.

The project aligns with global health standards and contributes to the achievement of United Nations goals. Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.

State Voice

Uche hailed the initiative as a transformative step for that of Abia health sector.

“This project not only addresses the immediate health care needs of our population, but also paves the way for a more sustainable and equitable health system in Abia,» he said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Mrs. Ngozi Azodo, explained the long-term vision of the Ekwueme project, which includes plans for an Abia Medical City and a medical college.

“Tit’s about building a system that lasts, of which future generations can be proud. Every district in the state will have a functional PHC to bear witness to this. administration commitment,” she said.

For many Abia residents, the Ekwueme project represents a long-overdue response to years of neglect. This is a bold statement from At Otti’s administration, signaling a new era of governance that puts the needs of the people first.