Otti warns communities against vandalising upgraded health centres

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called on communities to take ownership of recently upgraded primary healthcare centers and safeguard them against vandalism to guarantee the sustained provision of essential medical services. The governor emphasized this responsibility during the formal functionalization of the Amaokwe Item and Amaegbuato Nkpa Primary Health Centres in the Bende Local Government Area.

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Government has provided these facilities; it is now the responsibility of the communities to protect and sustain them because vandalism or misuse will not be tolerated.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ogbonnaya Uche, Otti highlighted that these facilities are part of broader healthcare reforms that have already made approximately nine primary healthcare centers operational in the region. "The government has provided these facilities; it is now the responsibility of the communities to protect and sustain them because vandalism or misuse will not be tolerated," he warned, underscoring the zero-tolerance policy towards damage or improper use of the health centers.

The upgraded centers are now equipped with vital medical equipment, including ultrasound machines, auto analyzers, oxygen units, and laboratory facilities, aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services. Qualified nurses are stationed to provide round-the-clock care, supplemented by visiting doctors for specialized medical needs. Governor Otti also announced plans for a new specialist hospital at Umunnato General Hospital, further reinforcing the state's commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery.

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The reforms were aimed at reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.

This initiative aligns with the administration's broader goal of improving access to quality healthcare across rural and underserved communities. The Executive Secretary of the Abia Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Kalu, noted that these reforms are specifically designed to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths, with a vision to establish a functional and well-equipped primary healthcare center in every ward of the state. Local leaders, including the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Mr. Uwabunkeonye Bassey, and community union presidents, have commended the state government's investment, recognizing its potential to improve healthcare access and increase life expectancy.

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16 primary healthcare centres had been approved for upgrade in the local government area to improve access to quality healthcare services.