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Abia State’s Governor, Alex Otti, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of electricity services to state government establishments.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, revealed that at least 4,700 pensioners in the state have been registered to access complimentary healthcare services in both primary and secondary health facilities throughout the state, courtesy of the state’s Health Insurance Scheme.
As stated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko, the individuals presently enrolled in the initiative are retired civil servants who did not hold ranks exceeding Deputy Director before retirement.
According to the statement, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, Commissioner of Health, has already updated the Governor on the diverse programs and strategies carried out under her Ministry.
The Commissioner, as quoted, expressed her strong dissatisfaction over the situation where government offices and facilities lacked access to electricity.
Read also: Abia Doctors Suspend Indefinite Strike, Hail Alex Otti
‘If there are bills to be paid, we’ll pay them and get the facilities reconnected. We cannot afford to have government offices and facilities without electricity,’ the Governor stated.
‘Dr Okoronkwo had briefed the Governor on the efforts her ministry had made in revamping certain health facilities in the state, especially the general hospitals at Amachara, Okpuala Ngwa, Umunnato and a cottage hospital in Aba.’
The Commissioner pointed out that due to the absence of security measures and sufficient lighting, thieves have exploited these conditions to break into hospitals and steal equipment and valuable items intended for the well-being of the community.
In addition, she disclosed that she had made contact with senior government functionaries who played a role in enhancing security, particularly for facilities like the General Hospital in Okpuala Ngwa.
As a result, the Governor gave orders for security to be reinforced, for the premises to be well-illuminated, and for effective perimeter fencing to be put in place around the hospitals to deter unauthorised access.
