The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a multimillion-naira Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in the Ugbawka community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The facility was built under a special “Quick Impact Project” of the chief of the naval staff, Idi Abbas, in honour of Patrick Nwatu (Rtd).
Mr Abbas said during the inauguration on Friday that the facility represented the navy’s commitment to positive social impact and corporate social responsibility.
Represented by the director of veteran affairs, Raheem Taofeek, the CNS said civil-military affairs were meant to improve civil relationships and build trust.
According to him, the project is in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which the Nigerian Navy has keyed into.
“The navy has 33 quick impact projects across the country, and they are done to honour our distinguished and decade-long-serving top senior officers, and we are poised to do more.
“The facility will surely improve healthcare and well-being of the people in the community and attract quality health professionals to the community,” he said.
Responding, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the commissioner for health, George Ugwu, said the state government had already furnished the PHC facility with furniture, health equipment and healthcare professionals.
“The state government has posted medical professionals to work 24 hours, since the facility has accommodation and solar-powered electricity to ensure steady electricity and lighting of the facility at night hours.
“We are challenging political office holders and philanthropists to create access to the facility by enrolling the residents into state insurance coverage of N12,000 per person, per year,” Mr Mbah said.
Speaking, the member representing Nkanu East and Nkanu West federal constituency, Nnoli Nnaji, commended the navy for partnering with the state government and the community to ensure the facility’s functionality.
“I represent 28 wards in my constituency. I am giving 50 persons per ward health insurance coverage, and we will find ways to get tricycle ambulances in the constituency,” Mr Nnaji said.
The traditional ruler of the community, Sunday Nwobodo, appreciated the CNS and the entire naval authorities for honouring their son, Patrick Nwatu (retired), by building the medical edifice.
Mr Nwobodo, who paid for pre-registration cards for the first 100 people seeking health care at the facility, assured that the community would support the facility.
In appreciation, Mr Nwatu lauded the CNS for approving and funding the project and appreciated the community, the Enugu State Ministry of Health, and the state government for partnering in the project.
(NAN)
