Uke Association in USA hands over Health-center to Govt, offers free healthcare
By Uzo Ugwunze
Uke Community in Idemili North has handed over a multi million ultramodern Primary healthcare Center (PHC) built by the Uke Community in United States of America,(Uke -USA) to the Anambra State Government.
The major sponsors of the project which took about 500, 000 US dollars include Engr. Okey Ilonzo(Nnabuenyi), Chief Joseph Ezeh(Udemba), Dr. Emmanuel Nwokedi(Akaekpuchife), Chief Noel Okosa.
Others are Dr. Frank Chiedu Aroh(Ugochukwu), Chief Joseph Chiemelu(Nnanyelugo), Chief Eugene Obah(Ugochukwu). These seven persons gave their all to ensure the PHC vision became a reality when others backed out.
The Uke-USA medical team also embarked on a free medical outreach to both indigenes and residents of Uke Community in line with the call on NdiAnambra think home philosophy.
Inaugurating the health center, the Director of Medical Services, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu who also represented Governor Willie Obiano and Commissioner for Health, Vincent Okpala commended the sponsors of project asking other communities to emulate them.
Some of the Uke-USA Association members who wrote their names on PHC Uke marble
“Governor Willie Obiano has done well in the health sector. Anambra State has warn several awards on healthcare delivery.This project shows that people recognize what Akpokuodike is doing.
“Already, the health center is a Government facility. I know that very soon government will employ Health workers and more people will be posted here.
” We keep on appealing to people’s conscience to come home and invest in your Community. Your people need you.
” Uke people should key into Anambra State Health Insurance (ASHIA) just like Okija and my community Oraukwu who registered thousands of people under the scheme. You do not need to give people cash”, said Dr. Chukwulobelu.
The Representative of Chief Asha Nnabuife, Chairman, Idemili North, Barr. Buchi Okechukwu assured Uke people of Government’s assistance to ensure maintenance of the PHC saying that he would ensure
State Government provide more equipments for them.
“PHC is the basis in terms of providing healthcare delivery.Uke people should take this project built by philanthropists as theirs and endeavor to maintain the PHC for it outstay it’s life span,” Barr. Okechukwu.
In his remarks, Igwe Surv. Charles Agbala eulogized the efforts of the seven persons and also those who contributed towards the building of the ultramodern PHC center urging other illustrious indigenes of Uke to keep remembering there roots.
According to Engr. Ilonzo, this vision began in 2007 with over 18 persons who saw the need for an appropriate PHC that will stand the test of times although we had a dilapidated health center built with mud in the 1940’s.
“It was not easy for all of us. We brought light here. There was no access road to this place coupled with the effect of erosion menace.
“We hired a buldozer condemned one of the dilapidated houses and used it for sandfilling while constructing road to access this PHC to enable former commissioner for health, Late Dr. Ilika to inspect the Project,”said Ilonzo.
The head of USA medical team, Dr. Emmanuel Nwokedi said that they chose to build the PHC to bridge the healthcare disparity particularly for the most vulnerable members of the society who cannot afford medication.
“The PHC cost us about 500,000 US dollars but we still want Government to provide us with basic laboratory, staff, maternity equipments. We also want other Uke elites to join hands with us,” said Dr. Nwokedi
Also, Dr. Frank Aroh advised Uke residents to access the PHC for medical check-up and as soon they feel sick warning them not to wait until their ailments reach secondary or tertiary stages before seeking expensive medical attention.
Another sponsor the PHC, Chief Ifeanyi Okeke, a Commander in the US Navy was full of excitement saying he believes in Akulueuno.”We will not leave Government to do everything. The PHC will bring Government closer”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President General of Uke, Chief Ezeoba Chuks Igboanua thanked the Uke-USA Association for the massive project and for the free medical outreach they embarked upon.
“I am happy Uke indigenes are responding to the development of their communities last year Chief Tochukwu Kpajie(Tokas) constructed(asphalted) over a kilometer road with drainages and today we Commissioning a PHC,”said Igboanua.
A former PG, Chief Donatus Enendu(Dikeora) thanked the sponsors for their doggedness saying that the town union attracted the fencing of the PHC and road construction by state government.
Highlights of the event include the unveiling of the sponsors names on the marble by Igwe Sure. Charles Agbala and commissioning of the PHC by the Governor’s representative, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu.
