BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved the construction of 55 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 27 local government areas, so as to bring healthcare delivery closer to the citizenry.
This was made known through a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu.
The governor stressed that the new centres will complement the renovated structure, equipped, and functional.
He said, “With these 55 new Primary Health Centres now underway, we aim to bring healthcare services even closer to our people. This move aligns with our resolve to ensure that our people enjoy the good health they truly deserve”.
The Special Adviser highlighted that the initiative would strengthen healthcare infrastructure in underserved communities and improve access to preventive and primary care delivery system.
“Selected sites include Enyiogwugwu PHC and Beku PHC in Aboh Mbaise, and Nnarambia HC and Ihenweorie HC in Ahiazu Mbaise, among others across the state.”
He revealed that the state runs an estimated 25–30 health facilities per 100,000 people, higher than the national average of 17 per 100,000, and leads Nigeria in child vaccination coverage, achieving over 98 percent immunization rates and protecting more than 169,000 children in 2020.
Prince Ugochukwu explained that the Imo Health Insurance Scheme has reduced out-of-pocket medical costs, safeguarded vulnerable groups, and provided effective emergency referrals, managing over 500 cases at no cost to patients within 10 months of its inception.