Governor Otti boosts Abia maternal healthcare, warns against traditional birth attendants, and improves PHCs across the state for safe childbirth.
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to improving Abia maternal healthcare, emphasizing the urgent need for expectant mothers to use government-approved hospitals rather than patronizing untrained traditional birth attendants.
Governor Alex Otti made this statement during the commissioning of the newly renovated Ohiya Primary Health Centre in Umuahia South Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, the governor warned that the state would no longer tolerate the activities of unlicensed birth attendants whose negligence often leads to tragic maternal deaths.
According to him, the administration’s ongoing reforms in the health sector are driven by a firm belief that no woman should lose her life while bringing a child into the world.
He stressed that improving Abia maternal healthcare remains one of the top priorities of his government.
Governor Otti expressed sadness over the rising number of women who continue to risk their lives in the hands of unqualified practitioners.
He described the situation as unacceptable and a major setback in achieving the state’s healthcare goals.
“Our government cannot sit back while mothers die from preventable causes. We are investing heavily in Primary Health Centres to ensure safe deliveries for all women, especially those in rural communities,” he said.
As part of this initiative, the state government is currently retrofitting 200 Primary Health Centres across all wards.
The governor explained that the rehabilitation program is part of a comprehensive plan to ensure that every community has access to modern healthcare facilities and trained medical personnel.
He further announced that the government will soon begin the construction of staff quarters for health workers across the state, starting with the newly reopened Ohiya centre.
The aim, he said, is to encourage medical professionals to stay in rural areas and deliver efficient services to residents.
Governor Otti reiterated that the protection of mothers and newborns is central to his administration’s vision for a healthy and productive population.
He said the government’s effort to enhance Abia maternal healthcare also includes continuous training for midwives, nurses, and other health practitioners to ensure they meet global standards in service delivery.
In addition, the governor cautioned traditional birth attendants against endangering lives through unsafe delivery practices.
He disclosed that the state would soon introduce stricter regulations to monitor their activities, and any unregistered operator found guilty of malpractice would face sanctions.
He also urged community leaders to work hand-in-hand with the government by promoting health awareness and discouraging women from seeking care at unsafe birth homes.
“Every community must take ownership of its health facility. Protect it, use it, and make sure our mothers have a safe place to deliver their babies,” Otti said.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, praised Governor Otti for his visionary approach to healthcare transformation.
He noted that the newly upgraded Ohiya Primary Health Centre serves as a model for other communities in Abia State.
The centre, he explained, is equipped with a maternity ward, laboratory, delivery suite, pharmacy, and backup power system—all designed to provide round-the-clock services.
Professor Uche added that the ministry would continue to monitor and support health facilities across the state to ensure that they operate effectively and meet the needs of the people.
He emphasized that community participation remains key to sustaining the gains achieved in Abia maternal healthcare.
The State Director of Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ure Abazie, who was also present at the event, commended the initiative and called for collective efforts to end preventable maternal deaths.
She urged women to take advantage of government facilities, reminding them that only trained medical personnel can effectively handle complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Ohiya community, Eze Abel Uhuegbu, expressed gratitude to the government for rehabilitating the health centre.
He pledged that the community would protect the facility and ensure it serves its purpose for generations.
“This centre will save lives. We are grateful to Governor Otti for prioritizing the health of our people,” he said.
Several residents, including expectant mothers, shared their excitement over the improved facility.
Mrs. Nneoma Ndukwe, a local trader, said that before the renovation, many women in Ohiya traveled long distances to access healthcare.
“Now, we can visit the centre for antenatal and safe delivery without stress. This is a big relief for our community,” she remarked.
Health experts at the event also lauded the government’s proactive measures, describing the PHC upgrade as a milestone in grassroots healthcare delivery.
They urged the government to complement infrastructure improvements with the recruitment of skilled workers and steady drug supplies to guarantee consistent service.
Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, later led a tour of the facility alongside the State Director of Orientation Agency and the traditional ruler.
The delegation inspected the various sections, including the maternity ward, consultation rooms, laboratory, and pharmacy—all of which were fitted with new medical equipment.
Concluding the event, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s determination to build a stronger, safer healthcare system that prioritizes mothers and children.
He promised that the state government would continue to promote awareness campaigns, encourage routine antenatal care, and ensure that all women deliver in safe, hygienic environments.
With the rehabilitation of the Ohiya Primary Health Centre and ongoing modernization of others across the state, Abia is positioning itself as a leader in community-based healthcare reform.
The state’s renewed investment in Abia maternal healthcare underscores its vision of a future where no woman dies giving life, and every child is born safely into a system that values health, dignity, and care.
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