Gov Otti Confirms Continued Ban on Unapproved Free Medical Outreaches in Abia

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare and overall wellbeing for the people of Abia State. Speaking at a symposium in Umuahia organized by the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau to mark World Sight Day, he urged collective action in preventing blindness.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, Governor Otti also reiterated that the ban on unapproved free medical outreaches remains firmly in place to protect citizens from unsafe medications.

“The reforms we are implementing in the healthcare sector have led to upgraded facilities and better welfare packages for health workers,” Otti said. “However, no free medical outreach is allowed anywhere in the state without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.”

This strict policy follows a troubling incident in 2024 when several people in Abiriba, Ohafia LGA, lost consciousness after taking drugs distributed at an unauthorized free medical outreach.

In her remarks, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, highlighted the state’s consistent efforts to commemorate World Sight Day since Governor Otti’s administration began.

She also warned residents against using herbal remedies to treat eye conditions, cautioning that such practices could worsen their eyesight. Dr. Emeka-Obasi encouraged early eye screening, regular check-ups, and reliance on government health facilities for eye care.