A cross section of people in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States have expressed satisfaction with quality and affordable healthcare services in general hospitals in their various states.
The stakeholders spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during visits to some general hospitals across the zone.
In Enugu, NAN correspondent, who visited the Poly General Hospital, Asata and Uwani General Hospital, observed full swing of medical activities and medical staff on ground.
NAN observed that Uwani General Hospital has solar lights and electricity from the national grid; while Poly General Hospital relied on the 72-standard solar-panel supplied electricity provided by the Government of Japan.
Mrs Chika Ani, who is attending antenatal at the Poly General Hospital, said that the ultrasound and other services at the hospital remained affordable to the people.
Ani noted that the quality of service and affordability had made the number of patients to the hospital continue to grow daily.
A nursing staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the hospital had an independent 72-standard solar-panel supplied electricity.
“Previously, the solar-powered electricity work 24 hours non-stop, providing all electricity need of the hospital, but due to constant use, some of the charging batteries had gone down in their capacities.
“However, it is still serving and we ration its use and dedicate it to the maternity, emergency and threatre wards,” she said.
In Uwani General Hospital, a patient, Mr Obinna Ossai, who is on referral, said that the staff of the hospital gave due attention and care.
Ossai noted that there were thorough supervision of medical staff by the hospital’s medical director, which had made non medical and medical staff especially nurses to be up and doing.
Reacting, Prof. Uche Agu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Hospital Management Board, said that the board had zero tolerance to abandonment of duty or non-professional treatment of patients.
Agu said that the government had installed Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in its 54 general and cottage hospitals to remotely monitor activities and raise queries if any infraction was noticed.
According to him, we also do physical supervision/monitoring and carry out discreet interactions with patients on how they feel about general services and their interaction with staff in all these hospitals.
“The big one is that His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, has approved remodeling, re-equipping and re-staffing of the hospitals after directing the board to do a comprehensive Needs Assessments of the 54 general/cottage hospitals.
“We are starting the phase-one of the remodeling, re-equipping and re-staffing with eight general/cottage hospitals, due to the volume of patients they handle daily.
“The governor’s vision and drive to build 260 brand new Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and strengthen/expand health insurance scheme is something positive for the general/cottage hospitals.
“Most of the common health challenges will be handled at the PHCs level and referrals made to general/cottage hospitals, which is the best practice internationally,” he said.
Agu noted that Mbah-led government was building a health system that would deliver quality, affordable and close-by healthcare access to residents as well as net-worth personalities coming for the 300-bedded International Quaternary Hospital.
It is a similar situation in Anambra as patients commend the state government’s investment in general hospitals.
They said that the interventions have improved access to healthcare services and reduced the burden of seeking medical treatment outside their communities.
Health workers and community stakeholders also praised the government’s efforts, noting that the upgrades have enhanced service delivery and brought quality healthcare closer to residents across the state.
At the newly established General Hospital, Anaku, in Ayamelum Local Government Area, residents described the facility as a life-saving intervention that had ended years of hardship caused by poor access to healthcare services.
Mrs Ngozi Eze, a farmer, said residents previously travelled to Otuocha, Omor and even Nsukka in neighbouring Enugu State to access medical care.
“Before now, we used to rush patients to Nsukka or Otuocha. Some died on the way because of bad roads or lack of money for transport.
“But today, our women give birth safely here and people get treated quickly,” she said.
Mr Chukwudi Nwafor, a commercial motorcyclist, said the hospital had reduced the financial burden on families.
“We used to spend over N10,000 just to transport a sick person to another town.
“Now, with this hospital, that money can be used for treatment and drugs,” he said.
Also, Mrs Chika Anyaegbunam, a trader, said the availability of doctors and nurses in the community had brought relief to residents.
“Before now, we had to go to Otuocha or Nsukka for any serious illness, but now, we have doctors here who attend to us every day. The place is working and we are grateful,” she said.
Mr Emmanuel Eze, a farmer from Umueje community, said the facility had already made a significant impact on residents.
“This hospital has already saved lives since it began operation.
“We have seen successful surgeries and other treatments. A functional hospital is what we needed and we appreciate the governor for this gesture,” he said.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Ifeoma Nwaneri, described the facility as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the area.
“The impact has been enormous. We have handled many emergency cases that would have been fatal if patients had to travel long distances.
“The turnout shows how desperate this community was for accessible healthcare,” she said.
Also speaking, Chief Michael Ekwueme, a traditional leader in Umueje, said the hospital had restored dignity to the people of Ayamelum.
“For the first time, our children are born in a proper hospital within our land.
“We appeal for more doctors and constant electricity supply to sustain the services,” he said.
At the General Hospital, Enugu-Ukwu, in Njikoka LGA, patients and caregivers said the ongoing improvements in infrastructure and staffing had enhanced healthcare delivery.
Mrs Chinwe Okeke, whose mother was receiving treatment at the facility, said the hospital had become more responsive to patients’ needs.
“Unlike before, we now see doctors and nurses attending to patients promptly. The environment is cleaner and there is better organisation in service delivery,” she said.
Mr Uche Nwankwo, a civil servant, said the availability of diagnostic and laboratory services had reduced the need for referrals to private hospitals.
“Many of the tests we used to do elsewhere can now be done here. It saves us time and money,” he said.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of General Hospital, Enugwu-Ukwu, Dr Frank Ifeneme, said the hospital had recorded a significant increase in patronage since its upgrade.
According to him, the facility now records more than 80 deliveries every month, compared to about 20 previously, indicating growing public confidence in the state’s healthcare delivery system.
At the General Hospital, Ekwulobia, in Aguata LGA, patients commended the government for upgrading facilities and improving access to healthcare services.
Mrs Nkiru Ezeani, a trader, said the hospital had become the first choice for many families in the area.
“We have seen improvements in the quality of care and availability of health workers. More people now come here because they have confidence in the services,” she said.
A community leader, Chief Patrick Nwachukwu, described the hospital as a critical healthcare institution serving not only Aguata residents but neighbouring communities.
“The government has invested in the facility and the impact is visible. What we need now is sustained support and maintenance of the infrastructure,” he said.
Similarly, at the General Hospital, Nawgu, Dunukofia LGA, residents applauded efforts to improve healthcare services in the area.
Mrs Stella Onyekwelu, a mother of three, said the facility had improved maternal and child healthcare services.
“Pregnant women and nursing mothers now have easier access to healthcare. The hospital has become a reliable place for treatment,” she said.
Mr Emeka Obi, a retired teacher, said the recruitment of additional health workers had improved service delivery.
“There are more medical personnel attending to patients and waiting time has reduced compared to what it used to be,” he said.
Also, the Officer-in-Charge at the hospital, Mrs Adaobi Eze, said government interventions had strengthened healthcare services and increased public confidence in the facility.
“We have recorded increased patronage because people can now access better services closer to their homes. The improvements have made a significant difference in healthcare delivery,” she said.
Official records from the Anambra State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Unit (ASHEFAMU) indicate that the state currently operates 36 general hospitals.
Former Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr Joe Akabuike, said during an unscheduled visit to Ekwulobia General Hospital, he expressed satisfaction with the facility’s transformation.
He commended the upgraded infrastructure, modern medical equipment, functional environment, and the orderly flow of patients receiving care from doctors and nurses on duty.
Speaking with NAN, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration had made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and manpower development since assuming office.
According to him, the administration inherited general hospitals facing challenges of inadequate manpower and poor infrastructure.
“When we assumed office in March 2023, our general hospitals lacked personnel and we recruited over 1,000 medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers to boost their operations.
“As a responsible and concerned government, Gov. Soludo upgraded three general hospitals across the three senatorial zones and also built five new general hospitals,” he said.
Obidike said the government was pursuing the goal of having at least one functional general hospital in each of the 21 local government areas through the renovation of existing facilities and construction of new ones in underserved communities.
He said the initiative was aimed at improving healthcare delivery, reducing travel time for patients and expanding access to essential medical services, particularly in rural areas.
The commissioner added that the government had introduced measures to improve accountability among health workers, including the installation of clock-in devices in public health facilities and regular unscheduled visits to hospitals.
“The goal is to ensure quality healthcare delivery to residents in Anambra,” he said.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, has reaffirmed the critical role of general hospitals in delivering quality healthcare services to rural communities across the state.
He described the facilities as vital pillars of the healthcare system, stressing that they remained essential to improving health outcomes for residents.
Ekuma emphasized the need for the continuous revitalization of general hospitals through improved infrastructure, adequate manpower, and a regular supply of medical consumables.
The commissioner noted that the Ebonyi State Government had continued to prioritize the health sector through strategic investments and reforms.
He explained that the administration was committed to ensuring that residents, particularly those in rural areas, have access to quality and affordable healthcare services close to their communities.
He disclosed that the state currently operated 15 functional general hospitals spread across its 13 local government areas.
The distribution of the hospitals shows that six are located in Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, five in Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, and four in Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone, ensuring access to healthcare services across the state.
In Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, Ohaozara Local Government Area has the highest concentration of general hospitals, with two facilities situated in Uburu and Okposi communities respectively.
Similarly, Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone also hosts three general hospitals located in Iboko, Oferekpe, and Nwofe.
Meanwhile, the remaining local government areas across the three senatorial zones have one general hospital each.
The distribution reflects the state’s efforts to providing healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medical services for residents in both urban and rural communities.
As part of measures aimed at improving healthcare delivery, Dr. Ekuma highlighted the implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
He said the initiative was introduced to attract and retain qualified resident doctors and other healthcare professionals in the 13 local government area general hospitals across the state.
According to him, the improved remuneration package is expected to boost staff morale, enhance productivity, and address the challenge of brain drain in the health sector.
He added that a motivated workforce was critical to the efficient operation of healthcare facilities and the provision of quality patient care.
Ekuma further disclosed that his ministry has intensified efforts to equip general hospitals with modern medical equipment and adequate drug supplies.
He explained that the ministry worked closely with the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) to ensure that essential medicines are readily available to patients, especially those in rural communities.
Reacting to the commissioner’s position, a Principal Nursing Officer at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA I), Mr. Dennis Oyibe, commended the state government’s free medical outreach programmes coordinated through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.
He noted that the initiatives have expanded access to healthcare services for vulnerable residents across the state.
Oyibe stated that many of the rehabilitated general hospitals now serve as centres for free medical consultations, surgeries, and treatments for ailments such as fibroids, hernias, and eye-related conditions.
According to him, the programmes have helped reduce the financial burden on patients while improving access to quality healthcare.
Meanwhile, a patient at the General Hospital, Umuezeokoha, in Ezza North Local Government Area, Mrs. Oluchi Nworie, expressed satisfaction with the improvements recorded at the facility.
She told NAN that there had been a remarkable change in the quality of services provided by health workers, noting that patients now receive better care and attention than in the past.
Ekuma, however, urged Ebonyi residents to take advantage of the improved services available at government-owned general hospitals instead of travelling long distances to specialist hospitals for basic medical care.
He reiterated the commitment of the state government to prioritizing the health sector and ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services for all citizens of the state.
