Abia State Governor Alex Otti inaugurated the renovated Okpuhu Nkpa and Umuenyere Alayi Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Bende Local Government Area, bringing the total number of functional PHCs under his Project Ekwueme to 42. The initiative seeks to address the long‑standing neglect of healthcare infrastructure in the state, which has persisted for over 24 years.
During the ceremony, Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Oggbonnaya Uche, highlighted the upgraded facilities, which now include multi‑parameter monitors, automatic external defibrillators, incubators, oxygen cylinders, and oxygen delivery devices. These enhancements are expected to improve the quality of healthcare services for the local community.
The governor also announced plans to establish an isolation centre at the Uzuakoli Leprosy Centre to manage isolation cases, underscoring his administration’s commitment to better health outcomes. He emphasized the importance of using PHCs rather than traditional birth attendants or unqualified providers, noting that Nigeria accounts for 29 % of global maternal mortality. Otti attributed much of this mortality to deliveries performed by unskilled workers, including traditional birth attendants lacking proper training and certification. To combat the problem, his administration intends to crack down on both traditional birth attendants and those who patronise them.
The inauguration was attended by Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, who assured that the local community would take responsibility for protecting the new facilities from vandalism. As Abia State continues to invest in its healthcare infrastructure, the effective operation of these PHCs will be crucial in reducing maternal mortality rates and improving overall health outcomes for its citizens.
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