Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality Healthcare Services across the State, declaring that healthcare remains a fundamental right and not a privilege.
The Governor stated this on Friday in Umuahia during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Abia State Diaspora Commission and Members of the Medical Team participating in the Abia Global Medical Mission 2025.
Governor Otti described the Medical outreach, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the Diaspora Commission, as a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to democratise healthcare delivery over the past 30 months.
He emphasised that his Government is determined to ensure that inability to pay does not hinder residents from accessing quality Healthcare services in the State.
According to him, the Global Medical Mission reflects his administration’s guiding principle in action, noting that investments in Healthcare cannot be assessed in monetary terms but in the number of lives saved.
Governor Otti who noted that “Health is wealth”, stressed that the true value of Healthcare spending lies in improved life expectancy and productivity.
The Governor acknowledged the growing international recognition of Abia State in the Health sector, citing awards and commendations from organisations such as UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.
He described the Medical Mission as life-transforming, noting that it contributes significantly to reducing mortality and enabling residents to achieve their full potential through improved health outcomes.
The Governor further underscored the importance of effective leadership, commending members of his team, including the Commissioner for Health, the Chief of Staff and other key officials, for ensuring the seamless implementation of the programme.
He assured the delegation of continued Government support and encouraged sustained collaboration with the Diaspora Commission and Medical personnel, adding that the State Government is considering extending the outreach, even if on a scaled-down basis, to further enhance healthcare delivery in Abia.
Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing quality Healthcare for all Abians and highlighted the crucial role of partnerships in achieving sustainable Health outcomes.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, disclosed that the State Government has developed a comprehensive roadmap to improve access to quality healthcare, anchored on three key pillars.
According to him, the pillars include free Medical Outreach Programmes, Health Insurance coverage, and collaboration with Global Health Organisations.
Professor Uche explained that the Global Medical Mission is designed to take high-quality healthcare directly to the people, with the aim of reducing mortality, improving survival rates and enhancing overall health outcomes across the State.
He described the programme as a practical manifestation of Governor Otti’s vision, translating policy objectives into tangible benefits for residents.
The Commissioner revealed that since the commencement of the outreach on Monday, over 3,000 adults have benefited from various Healthcare Services, including Medical Education, treatment and other interventions.
He added that more than 120 surgeries have already been successfully carried out, significantly improving the quality of life of beneficiaries across the State.
Professor Uche credited the Governor’s leadership for the achievements recorded in the Health sector, noting that the awards and recognitions received by Abia State are a reflection of the Governor’s commitment.
He further disclosed that International Health groups, including a Swedish Medical team, have indicated interest in partnering with Abia State on future healthcare initiatives due to the successes recorded so far.
The Commissioner thanked Governor Otti for his continuous intervention, investment and support towards strengthening healthcare delivery in Abia State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Mr Okechukwu Agbara, commended the Otti led administration for its deliberate efforts to promote universal Healthcare in the State.
Mr Agbara expressed satisfaction with the success of the Medical outreach, describing it as an initiative aimed at making Healthcare accessible to all residents.
He noted that the Diaspora Commission has also undertaken the training of Abia Healthcare Professionals in Basic and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, to further strengthen emergency response capacity in the State.
According to him, the programmes executed by the current administration reflect the practical implementation of Governor Otti’s manifesto promises, with visible and measurable results.
Mr Agbara also disclosed that Abia State recently received a $500,000 award from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in recognition of its healthcare initiatives and pledged the Commission’s continued support for the State Government’s efforts to improve Healthcare delivery.
In an interview with Journalists, a member of the Medical Outreach team, Dr Emmanuel Ekekwe, explained the range of services being provided during the outreach.
Ekekwe who is also Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist said his team focuses mainly on gynaecological cases.
“We attend to women with conditions such as uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, and cysto-urethrocele.We have just concluded an anterior colporrhaphy for a patient with cysto-urethrocele”, he said.
He added that the team also manages reproductive health issues such as infertility, menstrual disorders including menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome, as well as menopause-related conditions.
“We have seen patients presenting with all these abnormalities, and our aim is to properly diagnose and treat them”, he stated.
Dr. Ekekwe explained that while he works mainly in the theatre, patients are first assessed and prepared by doctors at the General Out-Patient Department.
“The GOP notify us when patients are ready for surgery, then we assess their eligibility, and once cleared, we proceed with the surgical procedures”, he said.
Dr Ekekwe noted that more procedures would be carried out if time and personnel permit, adding that the hospital’s theatre is well-equipped and functioning optimally.
“We have anaesthetic monitors and adjustable operating tables suitable for procedures like anterior colporrhaphy. The necessary instruments and personnel are available. If anything is lacking, we do not proceed, as patient safety is our priority”, Dr Ekekwe stressed.
