Residents of Ugbene-Ajima community in Enugu state are facing a dire health crisis due to the deplorable state of their primary health centre. The centre, which is the only government presence in the community, has fallen into disrepair, with all its facilities rendered inoperable. This has left residents, including pregnant women, without access to essential medical care.
Mathias Ezeaku, a resident of the community, expressed the deep-seated frustration and desperation of the people. "This community has over 40 villages, and the Enugu state government's health centre is the only place where we can receive treatment, including for pregnant women who need to deliver their babies safely." Ezeaku appealed to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who was voted into power in 2023, to intervene and restore the health centre to its former state.
The community's youth have threatened to boycott future elections if their demands are not met. They are calling for the renovation of all health centres in Uzo Uwani LGA, Enugu state, as well as the provision of essential equipment and services. "We demand that all health centres be equipped with oxygen, new hospital beds, and security measures," said Ezeaku. "We also need steady power supply and functioning running water to ensure that our health centre can operate effectively."
Another resident, Uche Ugwor, lamented the community's neglect by successive governments. "We have been totally neglected, and it's unacceptable in this 21st century that our women are dying due to lack of access to good healthcare." Ugwor appealed to Governor Mbah and the local government chairman to take immediate action to address the crisis.
The health centre's current state is a stark reminder of the community's plight. Our reporter observed that only two staff nurses were on duty, and none of them was willing to speak on the record due to fear of victimization. The centre's facilities are in shambles, with broken beds and missing foams. The situation is dire, and urgent action is needed to restore the health centre to its former state.
The Enugu state government's failure to maintain the Ugbene-Ajima health centre is a stark reminder of its neglect of rural communities. The community's demands for renovation and equipment are reasonable, and the government's inaction is inexcusable. Governor Mbah must take immediate action to address the crisis, including providing essential services and equipment to the health centre. The community's threat to boycott future elections is a wake-up call for the government to prioritize the needs of its citizens. The people of Ugbene-Ajima deserve better, and it's time for the government to deliver.
