The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has followed up his earlier declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector with free medical services that was flagged off today at the Aba General Hospital.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, stated that the present condition of facilities in the health sector are in deplorable conditions . Such ugly situation is symbolized by the dilapidated structures,lack of drugs,few and faulty equipment and vehicles,low staff morale , arrears of salaries, among other salient issues .
The energetic Commissioner said that the present administration will work hard to ensure the realization of positive changes in the sector. She further added that the Governor is ready to fulfill his campaign promises ,especially in the health sector.
She, however, restated that the cardinal objective of the Dr Otti led administration is aimed at ensuring that the health sector in Abia becomes one of the best in the country, not withstanding its current challenges.
She said the free medical services was also conceptualized to restore the people’s confidence on the ability of the government to deliver vital services to her people.
Dr. Okoronkwo, who drew applause from the audience when she was introduced as the first female health commissioner in the state, thanked all the officials that made the exercise successful, for coming on time despite the short notice given to them ,while urging them to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties as the government of the day will not tolerate any form of laxity .
In his response, the Chief Medical Director of Abia State Teaching Hospital ,Aba,
Associate Professor Dr John Chikezie, said that the present happenings in the state is evidence of goodwill and visionary leadership with the right driving partners, aimed at delivering positive results.
He prayed for sustenance of dividends of good governance.
In their seperate responses, the Acting Chief Medical Director, Hospital Management Board; Dr Mrs Charity Egwuekwe; the Matron, Mrs Chinyere Onu , Dr Mrs Kamalu ,among others , commended the Governor and the Commissioner for Health, for the bold step taken to revive the health sector in the state , while praying for God’s grace upon them in the discharge of their duties.
Also speaking at the event , Mr Ananaba Comfort, Chief Friday Ogolo , Nnamdi Onwuka , Mrs Goodness Ugochukwu , among other beneficiaries, who were diagnosed of different ailments and treated free of charge, expressed happiness and excitement over such a gesture which they said they have never witnessed in Abia State.
The non- medical staff of Aba General Hospital, led by Mr Ngwaba Raphael, expressed joy and hope that better days awaits the General Hospital, Community and Abians at large, as more people would benefit from the revival the hospital is undergoing at the moment.
He said they have confidence on the ability of the Governor to deliver on his campaign promises, while thanking him for the payment of salaries.
The flag- off ceremony was witnessed by critical stakeholders in the health sector, top officials of the state government including the General Manager of Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, publishers of National Ambassador Newspaper, Hon. Jones Ike; the Special Adviser on Public Communications, Mr Chike, among others.
