Abia State governor, Alex Otti has again warned pregnant women who patronise traditional birth attendants, instead of delivering at government hospitals, against the danger.
The governor, who frowned at such practice, regretted that many women had lost their lives due to uncontrolled complications at traditional birth places.
Otti gave the warning at Ohiya Primary Health Centre, PHC, in Umuahia South Local Government Area, while operationalising the retrofitted facility.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, the governor said his administration is concerned about the lives of mothers and children, hence the retrofitting of 200 PHCs across wards.
He reiterated his resolve to take decisive action against operators of such traditional birth places to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers, urging community leaders to take ownership of the facility.
The governor disclosed that the state government would also build staff quarters for health workers and encouraged residents to make full use of the centre.
He informed that the centre is equipped with modern facilities including an automatic external defibrillator, radiant warmer, vital signs monitor for pregnant women, ultrasound, parameter machine, weighing scale, general laboratory and auto analyser among others.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Umuahia South, Chinedu Enwereuzo, who expressed gratitude to the governor for the projects, charged the traditional ruler of Ohiya to protect the equipment from vandals.
