Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has outlined the state government’s forward-thinking vision for healthcare improvement.

Mr Otti made the statement on Sunday when the Revive Medical Mission, a team of Belgian medical experts, visited him in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The team is in Abia to collaborate with the state’s medical experts on government-organised medical outreach initiatives.

The governor highlighted that the state’s healthcare vision centred on infrastructural development, functionality, and strategic partnerships to achieve a healthier population in Abia.

He further expressed his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services by retrofitting and rehabilitating 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) within the first 100 days of his tenure.

According to him, plans are underway to extend the rehabilitation efforts to all 948 PHCs across the state as part of a comprehensive strategy to reform the health sector.

Mr Otti revealed that the government had designed a unique prototype for PHCs, reflecting the administration’s strategic planning for healthcare delivery.

The governor emphasised that these centres would not only undergo rehabilitation but would also be adequately staffed to ensure effective service delivery.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging with medical missions, recognising their valuable contribution during the 2024 outreach.

Mr Otti expressed his administration’s willingness to continue collaborating with medical experts to advance its health sector rebuilding agenda.

“We value feedback, which has been crucial in inviting the medical mission back,” he noted.

The commissioner for health, Enoch Uche, added that the medical outreach aligned with the state’s vision of making quality healthcare accessible to all residents.

Mr Uche expressed optimism that at least 100 surgeries and more than 1,000 consultations would be conducted during the outreach.

He explained that the medical team, at the government’s request, was providing free healthcare services, including consultations and surgeries, as part of their partnership with local experts.

“The government has allocated funds for the installation of new anesthesia and surgical equipment, with costs running into hundreds of millions,” Mr Uche said.

Earlier, Dr De Gazelle Herman, leader of the medical team, thanked the government for its hospitality and partnership in the outreach.

He assured the people of Abia that the team was dedicated to making a significant impact during their stay.

“We aim to perform as many surgeries and consultations as possible, focusing on conditions like goiters, hernias, and other health issues.

“Over the next two weeks, we will provide extensive consultations and quality care,” Mr Herman said.

(NAN)