Ihedioha Moves To Revamp Hospital Facilities In Imo

OGBONNA IWUAGWU

The Imo State Hospital Management Board led by Dr. Douglas Acholonu has commenced the inspection of government hospital facilities within the state.

The inspection team began with a visit to Awo-Omamma General Hospital, Oru West, Amaifeke Health Centre, Orlu and Nwaorieubi General Hospital, Mbaitoli Local Government Areas respectively.

Acholonu, a former Deputy Governor of the State, said the essence of the inspection was to identify the facilities in bad condition and find ways to revamping them for optimal function and use.

He reiterated the commitment of the state government led by Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha to improving the health sector and ensuring service delivery in the state.

Dr. Acholonu identified underfunding, lack of personnel and other infrastructural needs as the major bane in the proper functioning of the hospitals.

The Board Chairman further highlighted the case of Amaifeke General Hospital, which was wantonly closed down since 2012 by the Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s administration but was converted to a health centre.

He stressed that the state of the hospitals were nothing to cheer about, urging the Medical Directors to continue cooperating with the host communities while anticipating government intervention as soon as possible.

Speaking at the visit, the Chief Medical Officer-in-Charge of Awo-Omamma General Hospital, Dr. Felix Amadi, briefed the team on the state of affairs in the hospital bothering mainly on under staffing, erratic power supply and inadequacy of medical equipment.

Dr. Amadi however, commended the Awo-Omamma community for their continued support in the day to day running of the hospital, having assisted in the renovation of the Antenatal/Maternity ward of the hospital.

He further disclosed that the abroad based Awo-Omamma women would be handing over yet another completed and equipped ward to the hospital soon.

Other members of the inspection team included the Chief Executive, Hospital Management Board, Hon. Dr. Rufus Omire, Dr. (Mrs.) Okeke among others.