Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, has said that apart from reviving the healthcare delivery value chain in the state, his administration is also aiming at building a system that offers best-in-class medical services to everyone in the state.
In his address at the government house Umuahia, during the launch of Abia State – Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP), Gov. Otti expressed optimism that the project will not only transform the health system but would bring life to communities and will also give priority attention to the underserved communities in off-grid locations.
Gov. Otti who was represented by his deputy Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, said that NISHP is not just strategic to the state’s development agenda, as it aligns perfectly with his administration’s integrated programme of excellence and effective service delivery in the health sector.
“Most importantly, our overarching goal is to build a healthcare ecosystem that is service-ready at any time of the day or night. This is why the Nigeria Solar for Health Project could not have come at a better time”.
The governor assured that his administration will do its best to protect the investments and guaranteed that they are deployed effectively as proposed, just as he called for more collaboration in education, infrastructure development and agriculture.
In a brief speech, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr Ikechukwu Monday, disclosed that European Union (EU) provided 70% fund for the project while the state government under Gov. Alex Otti approved 30% counterpart fund.
While appreciating EU for selecting Abia state as one of the five benefiting states/ implementing state, he also lauded Gov. Otti for bringing the counterpart fund, revealing further that the project was designed to provide 24/7 solar energy supply to the health facility across the state.
Also Speaking, the Commissioner for health, Prof. Uche Enoch, pointed out that epileptic power supply in the country has contributed to the high rate of morbidity and mortality and appreciated the “Pacesetting administration” of Gov. Otti for consenting to the project which he described as another milestone achievement.
Prof. Uche who espoused and expounded the relationship between power and health, pointed out that steady power supply has made possible the refrigeration of drugs and vaccines and other lifesaving and life supporting equipments.
Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, senior stakeholder engagement manager, NHISP, gave an overview presentation of the project while Mrs Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section, Green Economy, EU Nigeria (Remote) made a remarkable speech during the event which climaxed with the official inauguration of the Abia State Steering Committee of NHISP.
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, has said that apart from reviving the healthcare delivery value chain in the state, his administration is also aiming at building a system that offers best-in-class medical services to everyone in the state.
