The Abia State Government has entered into a partnership with the South African University Hospital for the establishment of an ultra-modern Stroke and Neurovascular Centre in the State.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, disclosed this, alongside the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting.
Prof Uche explained that Abia was able to attract the partnership due to its significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and reforms, noting that the centre was initially intended for another African location.
“The South African University Hospital has entered into a collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Health, with the approval of EXCO, to establish an ultra-modern stroke and neurovascular centre in Abia State.
“This was an endowment that was meant for a centre in Africa, but with what is happening in Abia State, Abia was selected as that centre in Africa where this neurovascular and stroke unit will be established.
“You will recall that stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and a lot of people with hypertension and diabetes come down with stroke if it’s not well managed.
“These are part of the dividends that the transformative projects of His Excellency in the health sector are bringing,” Prof Uche explained.
He further revealed that the State recently collaborated with Blue Health International, one of the world’s largest global health organisations, to provide free medical interventions to Abia residents.
According to the Health Commissioner, 3,463 Abians benefited from the medical intervention, which included 115 general surgeries, 81 eye surgeries, and the successful removal of a 6kg fibroid that had developed over nine years.
Prof Uche put the total cost of the medical interventions at ₦125 million, adding that Blue Health International would return to the State in November this year for another round of free health outreach.
The Health Commissioner also noted that the operationalisation of newly retrofitted primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state has brought quality medical services closer to underserved communities.
He described the achievements as evidence that the Governor Alex Otti-led administration’s visionary and transformative health policies are attracting global recognition and partnerships aimed at providing free, quality, and accessible healthcare to Abians.
