Soludo Inaugurates Ward, Modern Ambulance in Anambra Community

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has commissioned a newly constructed Ward, a new modern Ambulance at Amaiyi Comprehensive Primary Health Centre (PHC) built by Achina Development Association (ADA) based in the United States of America.

Speaking during the commissioning, Soludo reiterated his administration’s commitment in the health sector.

The governor who was represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike commended the benefactors for carrying out such significant and life-saving project in their community.

“We are appealing to other groups, well-meaning individuals to join this Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) for the good of our people because government cannot do it alone.

“All the challenges listed out by the association will be seriously looked into for immediate action,” he said.

Soludo further revealed that the PHC was included in the hospital that would receive ongoing interventions across 326 Political wards across the state.

“I have facilitated for the new ambulance to be included in the state’s Ambulance, Emergency Service System 112 in order to save lives.

“Remember to refer any case that is beyond you to Ekwulobia General Hospital because we have deployed qualified professionals that can handle such cases,” he noted.

According to the Governor, efforts were on to ensure the public had access to functional, affordable healthcare systems across the state.

“Since the commencement of the ongoing free antenatal and free delivery in the state; maternal mortality has been reduced.

“It is on record that we have not recorded any mortality since the governor declared free antenatal and free delivery,” he added.

Chief Ogbuefi Ezeobiora Ezenwa, Achina Development Association (U.S.A.) said that the PHC dates back to the 1980’s, since that time, it has seen several changes in staffing and management.

He explained that some of those changes greatly depleted the resources and affected the level of service offered at the facility.

“Fast forward to the 2010’s. Community efforts headed by the League of Achina Women – Professionals, (LAW-P), led to renovations, re-supplying, grounds upkeep, and staff augmentation.

“A lifesaving ambulance was provided to the hospital by ADA-USA, it was brought to the attention of ADA-USA that a new ward is urgently needed.

“We rallied around and obtained the design for a two-wing ward. In the interest of time and budget, we started the construction of one wing in May of 2023. So, the new ward we’re commissioning today was built and furnished in approximately 6 months.

“But, we still have lots of needs in this hospital, the list only starts with providing additional staff, including a full-time emergency driver and grounds maintenance crew.

“Repairing the bore-hole for water supply, and constructing the other wing of our new ward.

“About 4 years ago, we were in serious negotiations with your predecessor about forming a public-private community partnership to run this hospital.

“As a matter of fact, the Commissioner gave us the template from NIBO Hospital’s PPP to follow in preparing our memo of understanding (MOU) with the State.

“We completed the memo but never got to the execution before the government changed hands. With the help of your office, we believe we’re in line to complete that PPP process now that the NIBO model has been wrapped up.

“Finally, some communities in Achina had raised all the funds to purchase health insurance for use at this facility. That process is still incomplete because of some hitch in accreditation of the hospital. We hope that the process will now be completed with the help of your esteemed office.’’