The Abia state Molecular and Diagnostic Laboratory has been Commissioned by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The Project initiated by the Abia state Government through the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Abia Development Summit is part of efforts by the state government to increase testing capacity of the state in regard to Covid-19 cases.
Speaking during the event in Aba, Ikpeazu expressed his delight over the actualisation of the project and expressed confidence that the laboratory would help in improving the access of the people of Abia to quality healthcare service.
“I pray that this facility will bring hope, succor and restore the health of the end users,”Ikpeazu said.
In his address, Chairman of the Abia Development Summit,Prof Sam Erugo, described the laboratory as an offshoot of the leadership style of the present administration.
Erugo while noting that the laboratory is a product of Public-Private Partnership arrangement between Abia state government and Abia Development Summit said they are ready to be in partnership with Abia government to transform the health sector.
According to him,the Abia Development Summit is desirous to build a state of the art medical facility in Abia.
He called for a public-private partnership arrangement in the running of the new molecular laboratory.
In his remark,an Industralist, Chief Chris Igwe, commended the state government for its support and contributions in the actualisation of the project noting that it is the duty of stakeholders in Abia to make concerted efforts in transforming the state.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Health,Dr Joe Osuji, expressed delight over the completion of the laboratory, adding that it would aid the state government’s effort in the fight against COVID-19.
Osuji noted that the Molecular Laboratory will not only increase the testing capacity of the state but will also reduce the cost and time initially spent to send samples to other neighboring states for testing and confirmation of COVID-19 positive cases.
“I am happy that from now onwards, people of Abia will no longer send their samples outside the state for testing”, Osuji said.
Earlier,the acting Transition Committee Chairman of Aba South Local Government Council, Fred Ogwo, said that the council would remain committed in boosting government’s development agenda.
He described the molecular laboratory as a laudable project,which according to him is an indication that the state government is committed to the transformation of the health sector in Abia adding that the laboratory would help in curbing medical tourism and address issues arising from poor diagnosis.
