GOOD NEWS: ENUGU INTENSIFIES ROLL-OUT OF 260 HEALTHCARE CENTRES, SLASHES MATERNAL MORTALITY BY 400%
The Enugu State Government has ramped up efforts to establish 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across all wards in the state, with Governor Peter Mbah recently visiting one such facility in the Otukwu community, Emene Enugu. The initiative comes as the administration reports a dramatic 400% reduction in maternal mortality, down from the national average of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Governor Mbah emphasized that his administration had made substantial investments in healthcare, aiming to elevate the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. His commitment to transforming the healthcare sector was underscored by his focus on building state-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern medical equipment, staff quarters, and renewable energy sources to ensure 24/7 availability of services.
The governor also highlighted that the intervention extended beyond primary healthcare, with improvements to 22 cottage and general hospitals and the construction of the world-class Enugu International Hospital. He commended local government officials, such as Hon. Beloved Dan Anike of Enugu East LGA, for enrolling 5,000 individuals in the state’s universal health coverage, which allows access to healthcare for a small monthly fee.
Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, lauded the governor’s efforts, noting the shocking state of the healthcare system inherited by his administration. With 47% of PHCs in disrepair and a shortage of healthcare workers, Governor Mbah swiftly approved the recruitment of 2,200 Primary Healthcare Community Workers (PHCWs).
The Otukwu, Emene PHC, which opened just three weeks ago, has already registered 140 residents and facilitated the birth of two babies. The administration’s rapid intervention has been credited with significantly reducing maternal mortality rates, a success that Dr. Ani-Osheku hailed as a remarkable turnaround.
Enugu is increasingly being recognized as a hub for medical tourism in West Africa, with stakeholders such as Dr. Emmanuel Obi, the Commissioner for Health, emphasizing the long-term vision behind the state’s healthcare transformation. Leaders from the World Health Organization, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and local health organizations have all praised Governor Mbah’s inclusive approach to healthcare, benefiting even the most remote communities in the state.
