Senator Ani Transforms Dilapidated Ebonyi Health Centre, Boosts Rural Healthcare

‎ ‎ ‎By Wilson Ogbonnaya Okereke, Abakaliki ‎

‎The Officer-in-Charge of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Health Centre, Amaoja, in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mercy Agbafor, has commended the Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Senator Anthony Okorie Ani, for renovating and upgrading the facility to a standard capable of delivering quality healthcare services. ‎ ‎Agbafor described the intervention as a major turnaround for the health centre, which she said had remained in a deplorable condition for years, discouraging health workers and affecting service delivery.

‎ ‎Speaking during an inspection of the renovated facility, she recalled that when she assumed office in 2021, large sections of the building had collapsed while the remaining parts leaked heavily during rainfall, damaging equipment and hospital beds. ‎ ‎"Many health workers rejected postings to the centre because of its poor condition, but Senator Ani has changed the narrative by completely overhauling the facility," she said. ‎ ‎The health administrator noted that previous efforts by community members to rehabilitate the centre yielded little results until the senator's intervention, which she described as a "new dawn" for healthcare delivery in the area.

‎ ‎According to her, the upgraded facility has reduced the financial burden on residents who previously contributed funds for maintenance and has attracted patients from neighbouring communities, including Okpoma and Ugwulangwu in Ohaozara Local Government Area. ‎ ‎She listed Amaoja, Onuofia, Ufueze, Amagu, Amangwu and Amaokwe as the six component villages benefiting directly from the improved services. ‎ ‎A medical doctor at the facility, Dr. Chidiebere Ogonna Dennis, also praised the renovation and the increasing patronage from residents. ‎ He urged members of the public to avoid treating serious illnesses at home and instead seek prompt medical attention at healthcare facilities to prevent complications and possible loss of life.