Ugwunagbo, Abia State — A collaborative effort between Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, wife of the Governor, and the State Ministry of Health has resulted in a three-day free medical outreach at the SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital, Etitiala Autonomous Community, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, aimed at fortifying healthcare services.
At the launch event, Mrs. Otti underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to providing top-tier healthcare services, urging Ugwunagbo residents to leverage this opportunity designed to augment community wellness and reaffirming the government’s pledge to ensure equitable healthcare access for all.
“This is not the first time this administration has conducted a free medical outreach, and it certainly won’t be the last. We are committed to making this an ongoing effort, especially for vulnerable groups in our society,” Mrs. Otti said. She also called on the community to safeguard the hospital’s facilities, noting that protecting the infrastructure would serve the best interests of the people.
In a landmark declaration, Mrs. Otti announced Governor Alex Otti’s approval for establishing 200 primary health centres across Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas, a key component of the administration’s overarching healthcare reform strategy focused on improving statewide access to quality medical care.
Mrs. Otti personally oversaw the medical outreach and toured the 100-bed SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital to assess its readiness for handling emergencies and delivering high-quality care. She highlighted that the establishment of the hospital in Ugwunagbo is a product of collaboration between the Otti administration and the federal government, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on health and well-being for all.
“This initiative marks a major milestone in our efforts to enhance healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and promote the overall well-being of our communities,” she remarked. Mrs. Otti also reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing free healthcare to vulnerable groups under the state’s healthcare insurance scheme. “Individuals over 70 years of age, children under five, and pregnant women will receive free healthcare services,” she added.
Ndubueze Justice, Press Secretary to the Governor’s Wife, issued a statement indicating that the medical outreach provides a wide range of services, including eye care, prenatal care, pediatrics, laboratory tests, medication, and surgeries.
Also speaking at the event, the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ogbonnaya Uche, and the CEO of the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike, encouraged participants to cooperate with medical personnel and follow the outlined procedures for a smooth and efficient process. Dr. Uche also confirmed that the governor had approved the construction of over 200 health centres across the state’s 17 LGAs, a move designed to further boost healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.
Mr. Emeka Nosike, the Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and the federal government for their continued efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, not only in Ugwunagbo but across the entire state.
