From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Government has enrolled no fewer than 4,700 pensioners in the state to receive free medical treatment in both the primary and secondary health facilities across the state, under the state’s Health Insurance Scheme.
Those so far enrolled are pensioners, who, prior to retirement from the civil service, were not above the level of Deputy Director.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo while briefing Gov Alex Otri on the activities of her Ministry.
She equally told the governor that some offices in the Ministry have no electricity supply for some years back.
Dr. Okoronkwo briefed the Governor on the efforts her ministry had made in revamping certain health facilities in the state, especially the general hospitals at Amachara, Okpuala Ngwa, Umunnato and a cottage hospital in Aba.
According to the Commissioner, thieves had at different times taken advantage of lack of security and proper illumination in the various facilities to break into the hospitals and cart away equipment and other valuables meant to serve the health needs of the people.
She added, however, that she had reached out to some senior government functionaries, who assisted in raising security for some of the facilities, especially the General Hospital at Okpuala Ngwa.
Otti directed for the immediate restoration of power supplies to all government offices and facilities in the state.
“If there are bills to be paid, we’ll pay them and get the facilities reconnected. We cannot afford to have government offices and facilities without electricity,” the Governor stated.
The Governor subsequently ordered the boosting of security, lighting up of the premises and proper perimeter fencing of the various hospitals to secure the facilities against unauthorised access.