Governor Okezie Ikpeazu says his administration aims at increasing the life expectancy of Abia people and residents above the national average.
Governor Ikpeazu was speaking while receiving in audience a delegation of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency and a team from United States Agency for International Development(USAID) sponsored Health Policy Plus at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Umuahia led by Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa and Mr. Onoriode Ezeire.
The State chief executive disclosed that he has evolved strategies to achieve increased life expectancy above that of the national benchmark. He revealed that his government has been running a healthcare for the elderly in their various communities and that has recorded a high level of acceptance among the aged. Also, that he has introduced Emergency Healthcare unit in the State for all Abians in times of emergency and the work of Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS) which intervenes in road accidents and saves lives. He further revealed that work is in progress at a Mother and Child Healthcare Centre in Umuahia, aimed at arresting maternal and infant mortality.
Governor Ikpeazu, who assured of his commitment to the provision of resources needed for the take off of the project in the State equally pledged his support towards the programme and called for the sustained support from USAID and its collaborating agencies.
In their speeches earlier, the leader of the delegation Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa and the National Director of the Health Policy Plus a project anchored by USAID, Mr. Onoriode Ezeire highlighted the importance of the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme and stressed the need to launch it in State.
They said that the Health Policy Plus is a project anchored by USAID, and is aimed at supporting and training of healthcare providers. According to them, the agency which partners with the National Primary Healthcare, National Health Insurance Scheme and the Federal Ministry of Health operates in Abia, Osun, Ebonyi states and the FCT and expressed hope that the Governor would support the programme, especially as the Governor is known for appreciating health initiatives.