The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reassured the commitment of her state towards providing access to healthcare.
She urged residents of the state to take advantage of the free medical outreaches organised by the state government to improve their health care needs.
A statement by her media aide, Ndubueze Justice, on Thursday stated that Otti spoke at the flag-off of a three-day medical outreach organised by the state Ministry of Health at the SDG Multi-Purpose Hospital Etitiulo in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of the state.
The governor’s wife stressed that providing access to quality healthcare remains a top priority of the current administration.
Otti also advised those living in Ugwunagbo LG to take advantage of the opportunity, adding that the outreach was designed to enhance the health and well-being of the communities in the area and underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare 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,” she said.
Otti also called on the community to safeguard the hospital’s facilities, noting that protecting the infrastructure would serve the best interests of the people”.
She said Governor Alex Otti has approved the reconstruction of 200 primary health centres across 17 Local Government Areas pf the state.
The governor’s wife disclosed 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 said.
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.
The medical outreach offered a broad range of services, including eye care, prenatal care, pediatrics, laboratory tests, medication, and surgical procedures.
Also speaking, 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.
Uche also confirmed that the governor had approved the reconstruction of over 200 health centres across the state’s 17 LGAs, a move designed to boost healthcare infrastructure and accessibility further.