The Abia Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, says ongoing healthcare reforms in the state are yielding results, highlighting the successful management of an obstetric emergency at Ohiya Primary Health Center (PHC).
Uche made the statement on Monday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.
He explained that a life-threatening emergency was successfully managed at the PHC, showcasing the impact of the state government’s reforms.
An expectant mother who developed eclampsia—a severe condition marked by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and convulsions—was promptly treated and safely delivered a set of twins at the facility. The intervention saved the lives of both the mother and the babies.
“Before now, such a case could not have been handled at the PHC level. But because the facility now has oxygen, the necessary equipment, and a doctor on site, the woman was quickly delivered, and the seizures stopped, saving lives,” he said.
The commissioner noted that this development validates the administration’s policy of bringing quality healthcare and emergency obstetric services closer to the people.
He explained that the state had moved beyond the traditional concept of PHCs as centers for only preventive care and minor ailments. Many PHCs are being upgraded to handle more complicated cases, including emergency obstetric procedures.
Facilities are being equipped with staff accommodations, security infrastructure, and solar power to ensure uninterrupted services. The government also plans to deploy roving medical teams to provide rapid specialist interventions in communities and further reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Additionally, ongoing construction of specialist hospitals in the three senatorial districts and renovations of general hospitals aim to bring specialist care closer to residents.
Uche disclosed that four more PHCs became functional on Monday, bringing the total number of operational facilities in the state to 110. “The last time I visited, we had 90. In the next two to three weeks, another 10 to 15 will also become functional. It is a work in progress, and every day we are making progress,” he said.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, said the state government approved the employment of 50 additional nurses, bringing the total number of nurses employed under the Human Resource Programme to 550. This is part of efforts to recruit 771 medical personnel across various categories for state-owned hospitals, with 500 nurses already employed.
Kanu also said that the Abia Health Insurance Scheme has recorded 157,462 enrollees, supporting the state government’s vision to provide accessible healthcare with financial protection for residents.
The state’s College of Nursing Sciences recently received a boost for its National Diploma program following a visit by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The team praised the extensive remodeling of the institution’s facilities and training programs and commended the government for transforming Abia’s health sector.
Abia will collaborate with MedShare U.S.A. to train technicians on the repair and maintenance of hospital equipment, ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery, particularly for women. The training will enable health personnel to operate medical equipment effectively.
The commissioner expressed delight that the state has not recorded any public health disease cases—including Lassa fever, Mpox, diphtheria, yellow fever, cholera, and rabies—during the review period.
