Gov Otti Quietly Reopens Multi-Specialist Hospital Built by Ikpeazu, Renames It Aba General Hospital | #NwokeukwuMascot

 News 

In a surprising turn of events, the Abia State government under Governor Alex Otti has quietly reopened the state-of-the-art multi-specialist hospital built by the previous administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, renaming it Aba General Hospital without any formal announcement.

The revelation came to light when Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, the chief press secretary to the immediate past Governor of Abia, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu PhD, visited the hospital premises after being informed by a friend that his mother was receiving treatment there. Ememanka, visibly astonished, recalled that the facility, originally built and commissioned in May 2023 as the most advanced government-owned hospital in Abia—had remained locked since Otti assumed office.

The hospital, equipped with nine brand-new dialysis machines, the largest CT scan in the South East, mobile clinics, and facilities for cancer treatment and other critical interventions, was initially dismissed by Otti’s first Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo. She had declared that the building suffered from structural integrity issues and was unfit for human habitation. Consequently, the facility remained unused for months despite public outcry urging the government to open it for medical services.

However, Ememanka’s visit to the hospital revealed that it had, in fact, been operational for months. Medical personnel were on duty, attending to both inpatients and outpatients. A nurse at the facility confirmed that she was posted there as far back as November 2023, indicating that the hospital had been in use long before the public became aware.

Observers have expressed shock over the government’s decision to reopen such a significant public health institution without the usual media publicity. The renaming of the Multi-Specialist Hospital to Aba General Hospital has also raised questions about the intent behind the change.

Critics argue that the facility’s delayed opening and rebranding appear politically motivated, suggesting an attempt to erase the legacy of the past administration rather than prioritizing public health. Ememanka pointedly questioned why the hospital, built with taxpayers’ money, was kept under lock and key for months despite its critical role in healthcare delivery.

Despite his criticism of the initial delay, Ememanka commended the government’s eventual decision to open the hospital, acknowledging that common sense had prevailed. He noted that the new Commissioner for Health, who replaced Okoronkwo, appeared to have the expertise to appreciate the facility’s value and ensure its utilization.

The public, meanwhile, is left wondering why the hospital was reopened without letting the public know, prompting calls for clarification from government spokespersons Ferdinand Ekeoma and Ukoha Njoku Ukoha. The hospital’s commemorative plaque, which documents its history and commissioning, remains untouched, a silent testament to its origins under the Ikpeazu administration.

As the debate continues, one undeniable fact remains, Aba now has a fully operational, well-equipped hospital serving the public. The question is, why did it take so long?

#Abia #Health

___________________________________