In a landmark move to tackle the longstanding challenges plaguing Abia State’s healthcare sector, Governor Alex Otti has launched a N10.78 billion project to rehabilitate and retrofit 200 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the state.
The ambitious initiative unveiled on Monday at the Ngwu Primary Healthcare Center in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, is set to be completed within 100 days.
The project, dubbed Project Ekwueme, forms a central part of Otti’s broader governance agenda, which prioritizes healthcare and education as the foundation for socio-economic development in the state.
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The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, described the “project 200 PHCs in 100 days” as a vehicle for delivering democracy dividends.
“This project, with a whopping cost of N10.78 billion, covers sites that are easily identifiable when you move around Abia, clearly making the state a healthcare construction site,” he said.
Years of mismanagement and neglect under previous administrations had left Abia’s healthcare and education sectors in shambles. Poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and a lack of resources had created a significant vacuum, leaving many communities without access to basic healthcare services.
Otti’s administration is seeking to reverse this legacy of neglect with a multi-pronged approach to governance, beginning with the health sector. Otti aims to restore public confidence in government services and ensure access to quality healthcare for all residents, especially those in rural communities, by rehabilitating 200 PHCs and equipping them with modern facilities.
The governor emphasized that an efficient healthcare system is not only vital for individual well-being but also crucial for the broader socio-economic growth of the state. Under Project Ekwueme, the selected PHCs will undergo complete remodeling, with renewable energy solutions, water supply systems, and secure storage for drugs and medical consumables.
The initiative also aims to curb the proliferation of quack medical practitioners and fake drugs, both of which have been rampant in underserved areas due to the absence of functional healthcare 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 have been tasked with monitoring the projects to ensure accountability.
“We are committed to using high-quality and durable materials at every stage of the construction process because this is our own. 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.
“Community leaders and other stakeholder groups are encouraged to be part of the project monitoring and evaluation efforts. All acts of sabotage or attempts to steal from the facilities will attract severe consequences by the government, with the cooperation of our people,” he said.
Education: The Next Frontier
In tandem with healthcare reforms, Otti has also outlined plans to overhaul the state’s education sector. Abia’s schools, much like its healthcare centers, have suffered from years of neglect, with dilapidated buildings, unpaid teacher salaries, and a lack of basic learning materials becoming the norm.
To address this, Otti’s administration has prioritized education as a key area for immediate intervention. Plans include the rehabilitation of public schools, improved welfare for teachers, and partnerships with private organizations to provide modern learning tools and technology.
The governor has explained that investment in education and healthcare are interconnected and essential for sustainable development.
The healthcare initiative, designed with sustainability in mind, will also include:
- Training Programs for Medical Personnel: To ensure healthcare workers are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.
- Community Involvement: Leaders and stakeholders will play a critical role in monitoring progress and maintaining facilities.
- Robust Security Measures: To prevent sabotage and theft, security agencies are mandated to oversee all project sites.
The project aligns with global health standards and contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
Voices from the State
Uche hailed the initiative as a transformative step for Abia’s healthcare sector.
“This project not only addresses the immediate healthcare needs of our people but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and equitable health system in Abia,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Mrs. Ngozi Azodo, elaborated on the long-term vision for Project Ekwueme, which includes plans for an Abia Medical City and a College of Medicine.
“This is about building a system that lasts, one that future generations can be proud of. Every ward in the state will have a functional PHC as a testament to this administration’s commitment,” she said.
For many Abia residents, Project Ekwueme represents a long-overdue response to years of neglect. It is a bold statement from Otti’s administration, signaling a new era of governance that prioritizes the needs of the people.