Residents and health workers across Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States have expressed satisfaction with improved access to affordable and quality healthcare services in government-owned general hospitals.
The stakeholders made this known in separate interviews during visits to selected general hospitals across the South-East by a News Agency of Nigeria correspondent.
In Enugu State, a visit to Poly General Hospital, Asata, and Uwani General Hospital showed active medical services, with healthcare workers fully on duty and patients receiving treatment.
At Uwani General Hospital, electricity supply was observed from both the national grid and solar power, while Poly General Hospital relied on a 72-panel solar installation provided through support from the Government of Japan.
A pregnant patient, Mrs. Chika Ani, receiving antenatal care at Poly General Hospital, said services such as ultrasound and other treatments remained affordable, noting that patronage of the facility had continued to increase.
A member of the hospital staff, who requested anonymity, said the solar power system had improved service delivery, especially in critical units such as maternity, emergency, and theatre, despite reduced battery capacity due to constant use.
At Uwani General Hospital, a referred patient, Mr. Obinna Ossai, praised the attentiveness of medical personnel, adding that supervision by hospital management had improved staff responsiveness and discipline.
Speaking on reforms in the health sector, the Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Hospital Management Board, Prof. Uche Agu, said the government had zero tolerance for negligence and poor service delivery in public health facilities.
He explained that the state had deployed an Electronic Medical Records system across its hospitals to monitor operations, alongside routine inspections and patient feedback mechanisms.
Agu added that ongoing reforms included the upgrading of selected hospitals, expansion of primary healthcare centres, and strengthening of health insurance coverage to improve access to medical services.
He further noted that the government’s broader health strategy aimed to ensure that basic cases are managed at primary healthcare centres, while general hospitals handle referrals in line with global best practices.
In Anambra State, residents of various communities said recent investments in general hospitals had improved access to healthcare and reduced the need to travel long distances for treatment.
At the General Hospital, Anaku, in Ayamelum Local Government Area, residents described the facility as a major relief after years of limited access to nearby medical services.
A farmer, Mrs. Ngozi Eze, said the hospital had reduced deaths linked to delays in reaching distant health facilities, adding that childbirth and emergency care were now more accessible within the community.
A commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Chukwudi Nwafor, said families now spend less on transportation for medical care, allowing more funds to be used for treatment and medication.
A trader, Mrs. Chika Anyaegbunam, said the availability of doctors and nurses had improved confidence in public healthcare services within the area.
A resident, Mr. Emmanuel Eze, also said the facility had already recorded life-saving interventions since it began operations, describing it as a significant development for the community.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ifeoma Nwaneri, said the facility had recorded high patient turnout, particularly in emergency and maternity cases, reflecting strong demand for accessible healthcare.
A traditional leader in Umueje, Chief Michael Ekwueme, called for more medical personnel and stable power supply to sustain service delivery at the facility.
At the General Hospital, Enugu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area, patients said improvements in staffing and infrastructure had enhanced service delivery.
A caregiver, Mrs. Chinwe Okeke, said response time had improved significantly, while sanitation and organisation within the facility had also gotten better.
A civil servant, Mr. Uche Nwankwo, said access to laboratory and diagnostic services had reduced reliance on private hospitals, saving both time and cost.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Frank Ifeneme, said patronage had increased significantly, with monthly deliveries rising sharply as public confidence improved.
At the General Hospital, Ekwulobia, in Aguata Local Government Area, residents also commended the improved availability of medical personnel and services.
A trader, Mrs. Nkiru Ezeani, said more families now depend on the hospital due to improved quality of care and staff presence.
A community leader, Chief Patrick Nwachukwu, said continued government support was necessary to maintain infrastructure and sustain service delivery.
At the General Hospital, Nawgu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, residents said maternal and child healthcare services had improved, with reduced waiting time and increased staff strength.
An officer-in-charge of the facility, Mrs. Adaobi Eze, said government interventions had boosted public confidence and increased hospital patronage.
In Ebonyi State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, said general hospitals remain central to delivering affordable healthcare, especially in rural communities.
He said the state government had continued to invest in infrastructure, manpower, and medical supplies, with 15 functional general hospitals currently spread across the state’s senatorial zones.
Ekuma explained that improved remuneration for health workers and recruitment efforts were helping to address staffing challenges and strengthen service delivery.
He added that the ministry was also working to ensure regular availability of essential medicines through coordinated drug supply systems.
A health worker, Mr. Dennis Oyibe, commended state health initiatives, including outreach programmes that provide free medical services in several communities.
A patient, Mrs. Oluchi Nworie, also expressed satisfaction with improved services at a general hospital in Ezza North Local Government Area, noting better care and attention from staff.
Ekuma urged residents to make greater use of government health facilities, saying the state remained committed to improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services.