The Abia State government has commissioned 50 modern Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under its Project Ekwueme Initiative, with Governor Alex Otti vowing to end the use of unskilled traditional birth attendants in the state.
Speaking at the commissioning of PHCs in Okpuhu Nkpa and Umuenyere Alayi, Bende LGA, Otti—represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche—said the facilities are fully retrofitted and equipped with advanced medical technology.
He noted that each centre has multi-parameter monitors, external defibrillators, incubators, oxygen delivery systems, and state-of-the-art delivery rooms with life-support equipment for mothers and newborns.
“For too long, healthcare in Abia was neglected. With these PHCs, our women now have safe, certified facilities for childbirth. Anyone patronising unskilled birth attendants, as well as the attendants themselves, will face arrest,” Otti warned.
The governor also announced plans for a new isolation centre at the Uzuakoli Leprosy Centre to manage infectious diseases.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, assured that the facilities would be protected by the people who stood with Otti during his campaign.
Bende Mayor, Mr. Uwabunkeonye Bassey, revealed that 16 PHCs are being renovated in the LGA, calling the initiative proof of the governor’s resolve to transform healthcare.
Community leaders, including the Health Authority Secretary, Mrs. Glory Ihedigbo; traditional ruler, Eze Ignatious Uche; and Umuenyere Alayi Development Union Vice President, Mr. Akachukwu Okorie, commended Otti and pledged their support.
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