South East breaking News
By Steve Unegbu
The Queen Elizabeth chapel reception hall Federal medical Center Umuahia was filled with the Creme de la creme of the medical sector in Abia state , friends, relatives,top government officials other important personalities who came to celebrate with the Nigeria Medical Association Abia state chairman,Dr Okwuonu Chimezie on the occasion of his 6 years of stewardship to NMA Abia state.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Okwuonu said in every leadership,there should be a day of accountability hence he decided to map out today as a day of reckoning of his 6 years of stewardship to his association.
He pointed out that he started as the zonal secretary Umuahia zone in 2016-2018,after which he was elected the zonal chairman of the Umuahia zone in 2018-2020,then to state chairman NMA from 2020 -2022.
According to him,” Under the zonal level, we worked to stabilize the zone,we initiated a lot of social activities,we acquired land and registered it with Abia government,commenced the development of NMA Umuahia zonal land by complete fencing and building of security house to secure it, renewed the interest of members in NMA Umuahia, our advocacy to state government led to rehabilitation of the access road to Abia State University Teaching Hospital,Aba, advocacy led to building of a new medical complex at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, advocacy led to enhanced commitment of Abia state government to regular payment of salaries for members working with ABSUTH and effort at clearing arrears of salaries”
He said ,under his watch the welfare of members become a top priority, we ensured reduction in ASEPA fees for all hospitals in Abia ,audited for the first time the account of the association and harmonization of finances and resources of the association,started Health insurance policy in Abia to NMA members, partner with Abia government in building oxygen plant in Abia and that NMA was duly recognized and carried along in building and commissioning of Nkporo cottage hospital and the Abia state children specialist hospital Umuahia.
He however, explained that NMA Abia has some challenges that need to be remedied to ensure quality health care delivery and suggested way forward to include ,political will and commitment, regular payment of salaries and incentives, organizing health summit and reviewing some health policies, rehabilitation of primary health centers, renovation and equipping at least one general hospital per senatorial zone etc.
He called on state government to make every effort to pay salaries to avoid medical brain drain in the state and thank Abia state government for responding to NMA demand for rehabilitation of the access road to ABSUTH and for robust relationship with the leadership of NMA Abia state.
Dr Chimezie Okwuonu expressed appreciation to God for providing him with strength , resources and beautiful family as well as lauded the NMA Exco for support.
Some of those who showered accolades to Dr Chimezie Okwuonu during the occasion include, the People Democratic Party Abia Governorship candidate, Professor Uche Ikonne and his running mate the member representing Umunneochi state constituency,Hon Okey Igwe, the Abia state chairman of JOHESU Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya,Head of Internal medicine in Federal medical center Umuahia,Dr Ignatius Ezeani ,Dr Ugochukwu Onyeonoro,who was the guest speaker
Others who grace the occasion are, the Executive Secretary and CEO Abia Diospora commission,Dr Mrs Ngozi Ogbonna Erondu,the chairman of the occasion, Dr DM Onyemachi ,Dr Chioma Ukekwe and others too numerous to mention
