Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has said that his administration prioritizes the healthcare and general welfare of the people, calling for a collective action in prevention of blindness.

He also reiterated that the ban placed on unapproved free medical outreaches in Abia communities was still in force, to protect Abia citizens from unwholesome medications.

Otti stated this on Thursday in Umuahia during a symposium organized by Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, to mark World Sight Day.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said that the reforms his administration was carrying out in the healthcare sector led to upgrading of facilities and improvement in the welfare package of health workers.

He reminded Abia people that no free medical outreach would be allowed in part of the State unless such outreach is approved by the Ministry of health.

Otti explained that the measure was to prevent the 2024 incident where many community members in Abiriba, Ohafia LGA became unconscious after consuming drugs that were given to them at a free medical outreach.

In her speech, the Administrator, Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Mrs Betty Emeka-Obasi disclosed that since the inception of the administration of Governor Alex Otti, the State has been consistent in commemorating World Sight Day.

The administrator, who warned residents against using herbal concoction to treat eye problems, said such experiment would further damage their eyes.

She called for early eye screening, regular eye examination and patronage of government hospitals for eye care.

Ban on unapproved free medical outreaches in Abia still in force – Otti