4,700 Abia Pensioners Enjoy Free Medicals

Abia State commissioner for health, Ngozi Okoronkwo, has said over 4,700 pensioners have been registered for free medicals under the state’s health insurance scheme.

The scheme, which is for pensioners who were not above the level of deputy director, covers treatments at both primary and secondary health facilities across the state.

Okoronkwo stated this while briefing the governor, Alex Otti on the ongoing rehabilitation of Amachara, Okpuala Ngwa, Umunnato, Aba and other health facilities in the state.

She expressed disappointment that thieves had at different times broken into the facilities and carted away equipment and other valuables due to lack of security and adequate lighting.

She said she had interfaced with some senior government functionaries on how to tackle the issue, adding that their response, especially for Okpuala Ngwa General Hospital was positive.

Responding, Otti appreciated the commissioner for her efforts at repositioning the health sector of the state, assuring that the administration would provide her all the necessary support.

He, therefore, directed the immediate restoration of power supplies to all government offices and facilities in the state by the electricity distribution company.

“If there are outstanding bills, we’ll settle them and get the facilities reconnected. We cannot afford to have government offices and facilities without electricity,” he said.