Foundation Constructs Primary Health Centre and Doctors’ Accommodation in Imo Community

In a move to enhance healthcare access in Imo State, the Uzotex Charity Foundation has constructed a Primary Health Care (PHC) Centre in Umuchima community, Ideato South Local Government Area.

The foundation said the new PHC would improve access to quality medical services and aligns with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, which prioritises affordable healthcare for all residents.

Alongside the modern PHC, the foundation built residential quarters for doctors, installed over 300 solar-powered streetlights, and provided a 300kVA transformer to support the facility and the surrounding community.

Uzotex Charity Foundation, founded over a decade ago by businessman and philanthropist Festus Mbisiogu, who serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and principal financier, focuses on improving the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly women and children.

At the commissioning event, which included a free medical outreach benefiting more than 500 patients, Mbisiogu described the PHC as “a testament to responsive and people-centred humanitarian initiatives” and encouraged community leaders, health workers, and residents to take ownership to ensure its sustainability.

“I urge health workers, community leaders, and residents to take ownership of this centre,” he said.

Citing global standards, the United Nations Children’s Fund notes that primary healthcare can address up to 90 per cent of diseases. Similarly, the Federal Government aims to expand functional PHCs from around 1,800 in 2023 to 17,000 by 2027, according to Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate.

Mbisiogu also praised former Imo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Kenneth Emelu, and House of Representatives member Ikenga Ugochinyere for their support, as well as Governor Uzodimma for his administration’s progress in roads, education, and healthcare delivery.

Noting that the PHC is the sole medical facility for Umuchima and neighbouring communities, Mbisiogu called on the state government to deploy permanent doctors, nurses, and other health staff. He emphasised that his philanthropic work is purely humanitarian.

“Government cannot do it alone. Individual participation through charitable partnerships is essential,” he said.

He further announced that women delivering at the PHC would do so free of charge, with the first 50 mothers receiving N50,000 each upon discharge.

Ugochinyere commended Uzotex Charity Foundation for its consistent support to the community and described Mbisiogu as a selfless philanthropist investing in healthcare, education, water, solar lighting, youth and women empowerment, and welfare initiatives. He also contributed N5m to support PHC operations.

The event’s chairman, Obinna Mbagho, highlighted the commissioning of the doctors’ quarters, streetlights, and transformer, all funded by Mbisiogu, and praised all stakeholders for their dedication to the community’s development.