Health

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT EXPANDS HEALTHCARE FRONTIERS WITH 55 NEW PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES ACCROSS THE 27 LGAs. [SEE FULL LIST OF ALL PHCs]

Published

6 months ago

September 19, 2025

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
20- SEPT -2025

Imo State has embarked on a historic health revolution under the stewardship of Governor Hope Uzodimma, as the administration begins the construction of 55 brand new Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across all 27 local government areas of the state.

The 55 captured PHCs include:

The initiative, described as one of the boldest in recent times, is designed to bring quality healthcare closer to rural and semi-urban communities, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing essential medical services. Each facility will be strategically positioned to address long-standing gaps in preventive and primary care, making health a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

Governor Uzodimma, while speaking on the project, stressed that these centres are not merely buildings but “lifelines for families,” reaffirming his promise to prioritize the health and well-being of every Imo resident. The government has set an ambitious 18-month timeline for completion, with each centre equipped with diagnostic services, maternal care units, and sustainable features such as solar-powered systems.

Already, Imo State has distinguished itself in the Nigerian health landscape. A recent Statisense report ranks the state fourth nationwide in terms of functional health facilities, and number one across the South East and South South zones. This feat, according to the Nigeria Health Facility Registry, is a direct outcome of Governor Uzodimma’s consistent investment in healthcare infrastructure. With a population of over 5.4 million, Imo boasts 25–30 health facilities per 100,000 residents—well above the national average of 17.

These efforts have translated into visible results. Imo recorded an exceptional child immunization rate of 98 percent, safeguarding over 169,000 children even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Imo State Health Insurance Scheme has also reduced out-of-pocket medical expenses, particularly for the vulnerable, while an efficient referral system has handled more than 500 emergency cases at no cost to patients, ensuring smooth transitions from local clinics to tertiary hospitals.

Reports from both local and international monitoring agencies underscore the progress. A WellNewMe study placed Imo among the best-performing states in maternal and infant care, with 98.2 percent of births assisted by skilled professionals. Similarly, the 2023 National Health Facility Survey and the 2024 ONE Campaign report confirmed Imo’s impressive standing in primary care delivery, with no major deficiencies recorded.

Beyond infrastructure, Governor Uzodimma’s administration is committed to long-term reforms. The state is scaling up health worker training, strengthening medical supply chains, and rolling out digital record systems to enhance efficiency. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu, has led rigorous supervision of existing facilities while engaging with local communities to ensure inclusiveness in planning and execution.

The upcoming PHCs will give special attention to hard-to-reach communities, bridging healthcare disparities across the state. From Aboh Mbaise to Ahiazu, Umuobom to Akpodim, the promise of better healthcare is no longer distant—it is unfolding daily.

As Imo State advances on this 55-centre journey, it is not merely constructing health facilities; it is laying the foundation of a healthier, more secure future. With Governor Hope Uzodimma driving this transformation, the state is redefining what is possible in Nigeria’s public health sector and setting a standard for others to follow.

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Health

Jehovah’s Witnesses Review Blood Transfusion Policy On Members

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced an update on their long-standing position on blood transfusions.

In a video published on the group’s official website on Friday, the church stated that members are allowed to make personal decisions on the use of their own blood during medical procedures.

A member of the Governing Body, Gerrit Lösch, said the clarification is intended to help adherents navigate medical choices without departing from biblical teachings

The church, however, maintains that the prohibition on receiving another person’s blood still stands.

He explained that while the doctrine requiring Christians to abstain from blood remains unchanged, the scriptures do not directly address the use of one’s own blood in clinical settings.

“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” he said.

According to him, members are now free to decide whether to permit procedures where their blood is temporarily removed, stored, and later returned to the body.

“Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others may object. Each Christian must make his personal decision on all matters involving the use of his own blood with regard to medical or surgical care,” Lösch added.

He noted that practices such as blood testing, dialysis, and the use of heart-lung machines have already been widely accepted among adherents.

Health

Nigerian MSc Nursing student arrested for fra¥d in India

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Meerut police in Uttar Pradesh have uncovered a major cyber fra¥d racket involving Nigerian students, arresting one suspect, Saifu Mayana Umar, an MSc Nursing student.

Victims across India were reportedly duped with promises of high returns through investments in foreign companies and stock markets. Investigations have linked Umar and his associates, including a Nigerian national named Yusuf, to at least 16 cyber fra¥d cases.

The gang allegedly used an organized network to lure victims, quickly withdrawing transferred funds through multiple bank accounts and ATMs to avoid detection. Authorities have traced transactions totaling approximately ₹45 lakh in Umar’s bank account, connected to cases mainly from southern states.

The probe involved cyber units from Telangana and Tamil Nadu, who coordinated with Meerut police to apprehend Umar from his hostel. During searches, police recovered electronic devices, ATM cards, bank passbooks, a SIM card, a passport, a cheque book, and mobile phones, all sent for forensic examination to trace the wider network.

Investigators noted that one associate attempted to des+roy banking documents, but some financial records were recovered for scrutiny. Transaction details are also being traced to follow international money flows.

During questioning, Umar admitted that some funds in his account were deposited by Yusuf and subsequently withdrawn. Other names have emerged in the investigation, and warrants are being sought, including potential international cooperation.

Umar has since been released on notice, with his passport confiscated and confinement to the university hostel.

Health

Nigerian dietitian banned from practicing in the UK after lying about her experience for NHS job

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

A UK health tribunal has removed Ifenyinwa Chizube Ndulue-Nonso from the professional register after finding she falsely presented herself as an experienced dietitian to secure a job with the NHS.

The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) heard on March 2 that Ndulue-Nonso misrepresented her qualifications and displayed serious gaps in basic medical knowledge shortly after starting at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in February 2024.

The tribunal found she made fundamental errors, including claiming urine is stored in the gallbladder, stating radiotherapy treats heart failure, misidentifying the large intestine as following the stomach, and failing to calculate a patient’s BMI. Her supervisor described the gaps as extremely alarming, noting they involved basic anatomy and essential professional knowledge. Concerns were formally raised within three days.

Ndulue-Nonso admitted she had never administered feeding through an intravenous catheter or used nutritional supplement drinks, and was reportedly seen searching online for basic medical terms while on duty. Investigations showed 20 of the 28 competencies she claimed were unsupported. She said she had learned correct responses from previous NHS interviews.

Although she denied deliberate deception, claiming her application reflected her Nigerian experience, the panel ruled her conduct was planned and persistent, posing a serious risk to patients.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has therefore removed her from the UK register of dietitians, barring her from practising in the country.