Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, on behalf of the state government and the Ministry of Health received an ambulance donated by Enugwu Ukwu People Renaissance Association (EPRA).
The Group donated donated the ambulance to General Hospital Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State to improve emergency medical services and healthcare delivery in the community.
Dr Obidike while receiving the ambulance,
commended EPRA for the donation, describing it as an important contribution to the development of healthcare services in the state. He noted that the ambulance would help the hospital respond faster to emergencies, support patient referrals and ensure that patients who need urgent care are moved to the right facility on time.
The Commissioner also praised the people of Enugwu Ukwu for supporting healthcare development and called on other communities and organisations to support government efforts in improving healthcare services.
He maintained that Anambra State government could not do everything alone, stressing that communities have an important role to play in supporting public services, especially healthcare.
Obidike assured that the ambulance would be properly used for the benefit of patients in Enugwu Ukwu and neighbouring communities.
The leader and representative of the association, Dr. Vincent Okeke, in his speech, stated that the organisation has members across Nigeria and in the diaspora, including the United States and the United Kingdom. He explained that the idea to provide the ambulance came after members of the association visited the community and met with the management of General Hospital Enugwu Ukwu to understand the challenges facing the hospital.
Dr Okeke said the Chief Medical Director identified the need for an ambulance, after which the association decided to support the hospital by mobilising resources to provide one.
He said the donation was part of EPRA’s wider plan to support projects that have a direct impact on the lives of the people. He added that Enugwu Ukwu had a strong history of community development, especially in education and infrastructure, and that healthcare should also receive such support.
Dr Okeke said communities should work with government to support public facilities, adding, “Since this hospital is located in our community and serves our people, we felt it was important for us to contribute.” He noted that members of the community were happy with the project, adding that the ambulance was brought from Lagos a few days before the handover.
He expressed confidence that the ambulance would help save lives by improving emergency response. He said every minute matters during an emergency and that the vehicle would help patients who need urgent transportation.
Dr Okeke described the donation as EPRA’s contribution to the development of Enugwu Ukwu and the improvement of healthcare services in the community, while the gesture further shows the importance of community support in strengthening healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
