Igbo-Etiti Council boss plans free healthcare for senior citizens, others

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Eric Odo, says plans have been concluded with relevant authorities to kick-start free healthcare services for senior citizens (elderly people).

Odo, who is also a medical doctor, told newsmen on Friday in Ogbede the council headquarters that a joint medical team to be set-up by the council would administer free healthcare to the senior citizens.

According to him, we have concluded plans to employ doctors, nurses, and lab scientists to move with an ambulance round the 20 wards in the council area to attend to men and women of 60 years and above.

He said, “We have discussed with the State Primary Healthcare Management Board and the Commissioner for Health our desire to begin the process of taking care of the aged in Igbo-Etiti council.

“The purpose of this programme is to boost the average life expectancy of our people from 54 to 70 years and above.

“This is the Igbo-Etiti that we prayed for because, as they say, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

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“We are also starting a Universal Health Coverage that ensures that whenever the vulnerable, physically challenged and elderly persons are sick, they can go to any hospital in Igbo-Etiti, present their card and receive free treatment.”

The chairman noted that his administration was poised to make Igbo-Etiti council area the most progressive council area in every facet of life, adding “that is where we are aiming at.”

“I assure you that before the end of this year, the economic activities we have stimulated in different fields are capable of generating resources that can allow us to unleash aggressive development in our council,” he said.

Odo disclosed that the council was in the process of registering 1,000 widows, who would be placed on monthly stipends.