HEALTH IS VERY IMPORTANT ENABLER TO STATE DEVELOPMENT – Governor Ikpeazu

#AbiaOnline
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Area of the State to cue-in to the Free Home Health Care Initiative for the Elderly in the State by providing security and logistics for the health workers.
Dr. Ikpeazu was speaking at Michael Okpara Auditorium while launching the Free Home Health Care Initiative for the Senior Citizens in Abia State.
He also called on volunteers to look around and see what they can do to support the programme. The Governor also informed that health is considered very important enabler to the development of the State, disclosing that emphasis on health in the State is on the two extremes of most vulnerable groups – the children between zero to 59 months and the aged.
Making a speech, the Minister of Health, represented by the CMD, FMC, Umuahia, Dr. Abali Chukwu appreciated Governor Ikpeazu for introducing such a rare project for the elderly.
He advised that the programme should be sustained and assured that the Federal government would cue-in the project.
In an address, the Administrator of the programme, Chief Emenike Osondu said by accepting the idea of establishing the programme, Dr. Ikpeazu has written his name on gold and described the Governor as a man of pioneering spirit.
He disclosed that the Governor has spent over 200 million naira in the project and thanked him for his interest in elongating the lives of the elderly in the State. Chief Osondu informed that the programme would also create employment opportunities to the youths in the State.
Also speaking, one of the staff of the scheme, Miss Nkeiru Esomonu mentioned the areas the free health care services would cover to include:
1. Blood pressure, pulse and respiratory status assessment.
2. Monitoring of nutrition and hydration status.
3. Monitoring response and teaching of medication.
4 . Administering insulin, wound and ostomy care, catheter care, obtaining specimens, such as blood for lab testing.
5. Visiting the elderly who have diabetes, cancer, heart disease alzheimer, hypertension, arthritis, fractures, stroke among others.
She thanked the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for sponsoring the programme and promised they will perform.