Governor Otti flagged off the retrofitting of primary healthcare centres across Abia State as part of efforts to bring quality and accessible healthcare closer to residents. The ceremony took place at Omoba in Isiala Ngwa South.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, the governor stated that the upgraded centres are fully equipped to meet the healthcare needs of communities.

“We are bringing healthcare to the people. If you enter this primary health centre, you will see equipment that is similar to what you have in London. If you enter the labour room, you will see the same facilities you would in any well-equipped teaching hospital. Not just any teaching hospital. I am talking about a well-equipped teaching hospital. That is what you will have there,” he said.

Otti disclosed that his administration has consistently maintained a 15 per cent budgetary allocation to the health sector, describing it as compliance with the United Nations benchmark. He further revealed plans to deploy one doctor to each of the 17 local government areas to oversee primary healthcare centres.

The governor urged residents to take ownership of the facility and other public infrastructure by protecting them from vandalism.

The member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Dennis Chinwendu, commended the governor for delivering the project and assured that constituents would safeguard the facility.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Abia State Debt Management Office, Kingsley Nwaigburu, expressed appreciation for ongoing development projects in the state and called for sustained public support.

The Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, represented by the Deputy Mayor, Vivian Obilor, applauded the renovation and encouraged residents to utilise the centre effectively.

The Health Administration Secretary for the LGA, Nkechi Chima, advised residents to avoid unqualified medical practitioners and patronise the upgraded facilities.

In a vote of thanks, the Labour Party Chairman for Isiala Ngwa South LGA urged residents to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

The inauguration marks the beginning of a broader rollout of upgraded primary healthcare centres across Abia State under Project Ekwueme, aimed at strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery.