Abia promises improved healthcare as general hospital nears completion
By: Abudu Olalekan
The Abia state government has reaffirmed its commitment to building accessible, affordable healthcare for residents, as work on the upgraded Obingwa General Hospital in Mgboko nears full completion.
The Commissioner for Health Prof Enoch Uche led a pre-completion inspection of the facility on Thursday, and spoke to reporters after the tour.
This is one of a number of general hospitals being renovated across the state. It is also one of the closest to being finished.
Uche said the visit was to get a first hand look at the level of work done, and make sure the project stays true to the vision Governor Alex Otti laid out.
“We are very pleased with what we saw. It is almost ready. Equipment installation has already started, and a lot of it has already been delivered on site.”
“We are here to make sure this is built exactly as it was designed, and that it delivers what the governor promised.”
Nobody mentioned a firm opening date yet.
Once commissioned, the hospital will act as the main referral centre for all primary healthcare facilities in Obingwa, and surrounding communities including parts of Aba.
It will be able to handle complicated pregnancies, general surgery, childhood illnesses, and pretty much any condition that can’t be managed at a local clinic.
And this is not just a paint and tile job. Uche went into some detail on what will actually be inside.
Full surgical theatre. Eye clinic. Dental clinic. Standard lab, radiology and ultrasound units. Delivery suites, male, female and paediatric wards. Nutrition clinic, full accident and emergency, ambulance service, and private amenity wards for people that want more personalised care.
They also built on site accommodation for doctors and nurses. Plus a dedicated borehole and backup power system. That last one was a direct order from the governor.
Uche said this is just one part of the administration’s state wide healthcare overhaul.
“From Obingwa to Umuneochi, from Ukwa East to Arochukwu, from Ohafia to Ugwunagbo, from Bende to Isuikwuato, this work is happening everywhere. It is a holistic approach, we are not leaving any community behind.”
Also on the tour was Dr Odochi Azubuike, CEO of the Abia State Hospitals Management Board.
She said the inspection is to make sure every single part of the facility meets the required standard before anyone is allowed to cut a ribbon.
Work on the hospital started roughly a year ago. She said progress has been far faster than anyone expected.
“We are here going over every last detail right now. Good supervision is the only way you actually deliver a good project. There is no shortcut for that.”
“I can say proudly that under Governor Otti, Abia has taken a very big step forward when it comes to healthcare.”
She thanked the governor for his commitment to the sector, and said residents will start seeing the benefit of these investments very soon.
“All of us working on this are proud to be part of what is happening here. Abians can see that the governor is keeping his promise to deliver accessible, good quality, affordable healthcare for everyone.”
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
