Umuahia, ABIA STATE –
Abia State Government, has expressed worry over the increasing cases of blindness and eye-related diseases in the state, urging residents to go for regular eye examinations for early detection and treatment.
Commissioner for Health, Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, who was speaking at the inauguration of the new Eye Care centre at the Amachara Specialist Hospital annexe Umuahia, regretted that over 4 million Nigerians, according to a study, are living with various eye challenges while over 1 million are blind.
The Commissioner who said the motive behind the establishment of the Centre was to tackle preventable blindness among residents, added that the availability of state-of-the-art equipment at the centre was to make it a referral centre.
He disclosed that the Governor had also given a marching order to upgrade the hospital into a world-class hospital for eye treatment and other ailments.
Professor Uche said the move was a demonstration of the importance that Gov. Alex Otti-led prioritizes attacked to health which, according to him, is among the key priorities of the State Government.
The Commissioner who said the hospital would witness rapid transformation in the months ahead, also hinted that the Governor had directed and released funds for the upgrade of the hospital into a College of Nursing.
He said that the hospital would help the state to recover all lost accreditation during the previous administration”.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the Abia State Specialist & Diagnostic Hospital, Dr Chimezie Okwuonu, said that the Governor had directed and approved funds for the engagement of specialists to man the hospital.
He disclosed that in less than three months, the hospital had moved from “one to 12 Specialists; and 12 to 24 doctors” as part of the on-going massive transformation in the hospital.
The CMD who said approval had been granted for the hospital to start housemanship, hinted that very soon orthopedic and trauma centre would be set up at the hospital adding that it will be upgraded to a 300-beded hospital.
He promised to pursue and deliver the vision of the Governor in the health sector “which is to provide affordable and accessible health care for Abia residents”.
In her address, the Administrator Abia Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi, said the centre was set up to address the challenges of eye care, especially the prevalence of avoidable blindness and visual impairment in the state “so every resident can benefit from optimal eye health.”
She thanked the Governor for prioritizing eye health and for providing Abia residents access to “a standardized and effective eye health care system.”
“This center will offer a wide range of essential eye care services; It will provide comprehensive eye examinations, advanced diagnostic testing, treatment for various eye conditions, vision correction, and rehabilitative services.
“Our team of experienced optometrists and nurses is dedicated to delivering personalized care to meet the diverse needs of our community. This is just the beginning as we plan to open up six more facilities across the state before the year ends.”
She further said that the establishment of the centre, represented the Governor’s dedication to addressing urgent health needs and expanding access to essential services.
“It symbolizes hope for many who will now benefit from comprehensive eye care and advanced medical interventions within our community”, she added.
Former House of Representatives member, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Acho Obioma, commended the Governor for the decision to upgrade the hospital, saying it will help the people to access quality health care.
He said that the achievements of the Governor so far had shown he came prepared to make a change.
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