ONELGA Chairman Vows to Revamp Omoku Health Center, Calls for Urgent Intervention
By Precious W. Ahiakwo
The Executive Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru, has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating state of the Omoku Health Center following a recent inspection. The chairman, during his visit, described the health center’s condition as “hellish” and noted that it requires immediate intervention to bring it up to acceptable standards.
Speaking after his inspection, Hon. Umejuru emphasized the critical importance of healthcare, reiterating his administration’s commitment to ensuring that ONELGA residents have access to quality medical services. “Health is wealth,” the chairman stated. “You need to be stable, able, and strong enough to perform your functions, whether as a leader or in any other capacity. What I saw at the Omoku Health Center was truly appalling and unacceptable. There is an urgent need to invest more in this facility to improve its standards.”
He noted that every aspect of the health center was dysfunctional, with no proper accommodation for staff, inadequate space for medical operations, and the absence of essential facilities such as cold storage for vaccines. “Everything is broken down, and nothing is functional,” he said. “There is no space for equipment, and critical infrastructures like cold storage for vaccines are nonexistent. These are matters that we cannot overlook and must be addressed swiftly.”
Hon. Umejuru pledged to prioritize healthcare in his administration’s agenda, ensuring that residents, particularly mothers, children, and the elderly, are treated in a safe and comfortable environment. “I am deeply pained by the current state of this health center, and my administration will take the necessary steps to bring it up to standard,” he reassured.
In addition, the chairman outlined plans to partner with the Rivers State Health Insurance Scheme to extend healthcare services to a broader spectrum of ONELGA residents. “I plan to collaborate with the Rivers State Health Insurance Scheme and bring it to the local level, ensuring that our people benefit from affordable and accessible healthcare,” he said.
The ONELGA Chairman’s remarks come at a time when healthcare services in the region are under increased scrutiny, with residents calling for improved medical facilities and services. His commitment to revamping the Omoku Health Center and improving healthcare across the local government area has been welcomed as a necessary step toward addressing these concerns.
The inspection and subsequent declarations underscore the administration’s focus on health sector reforms and its dedication to enhancing the well-being of its people.
Joseph Igwe
Chief Press Secretary to the ONELGA Chairman