John Nwaigwe
Open Letter to Governor Alex Otti
Dear Governor Otti,
I am compelled to address the pressing issues within the healthcare sector of Abia State. Despite the substantial allocation of ₦29.475 billion to health in the 2024 budget, the outcomes have been profoundly disappointing. The breakdown of this spending ₦20.31 billion for rehabilitation, ₦7.12 billion for construction, and ₦2.045 billion for equipment has not yielded the expected improvements in healthcare services.
The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2024 report reveals alarming maternal and infant health statistics in Abia State:
Maternal Mortality Ratio: 576 per 100,000 live births
Infant Mortality Rate: 52 per 1,000 live births
Under-five Mortality Rate: 77.8 per 1,000 live births
Neonatal Mortality Rate: 37 per 1,000 live births
These figures highlight severe deficiencies in our healthcare system. The lack of functional general hospitals and the dilapidated state of health centres are unacceptable. The fact that the only operational area at Ohafia General Hospital is its mortuary underscores the gravity of the situation.
To address these critical issues, I urge your administration to take the following actions:
1. Immediate Rehabilitation and Equipping of Hospitals:
-Ensure all general hospitals are fully operational with essential medical equipment, including MRI machines.
-Prioritize the rehabilitation of health centres to provide basic healthcare services.
Maternal and Child Health Programs:
-Implement targeted programs to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
-Provide training and resources to healthcare workers to improve maternal and child health services.
2. Transparency and Accountability:
– Publish detailed reports on the expenditure and progress of healthcare projects.
– Establish an independent body to monitor and evaluate healthcare investments and outcomes.
Community Health Initiatives:
– Launch community-based health programs to increase awareness and access to maternal and child health services.
– Collaborate with local NGOs and international organizations to enhance healthcare delivery.
The current state of healthcare in Abia State is a matter of life and death for many residents. It is imperative that your administration takes urgent action to rectify these issues and ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare.
I look forward to seeing immediate improvements in our healthcare system and am willing to offer any assistance necessary to achieve these goals.
Sincerely,
Ike Okorafor MA.MPH.DrPH(c).
