The Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated a newly remodelled mission hospital in the Ihe community of Awgu Area Council, with an investment of NGN300m ($193,650.83).

The renovation, spearheaded by the Ihe Development Initiative, aims to improve healthcare services for the local population, as reported by News Agency of Nigeria.

The hospital, originally built in 1976 by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and the late traditional ruler Dennis Nwachukwu, is now under the management of the Catholic Diocese of Awgu.

The State Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Obi, representing Governor Mbah, emphasised that the project is in line with the government's objective to make healthcare more accessible in rural communities.

Governor Mbah praised the Ihe Development Initiative and the local community for their collaborative efforts in the hospital's development project and urged for continued partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Awgu to maintain the hospital's upgraded facilities.

Mbah said: “It is very commendable because it aligns with policies of the Enugu State Government, which include a move to push the poverty index of the state to zero.

“What they have done is to refurbish and bring a new face to healthcare delivery to Ihe and its environs.”

The Bishop of the diocese John Okoye is committed to addressing the staffing concerns and encouraged the community to utilise the hospital's services to ensure its sustainability.

Ihe Development Initiative president Madueke Ekoh detailed the extensive renovations, including rebuilding the main building, refurbishing wards, and installing new medical equipment and solar power systems.

Madueke Ekoh said: “We rebuilt the main building, refurbished the general ward, and purchased new hospital beds with accessories, new maternity labour bed, high quality office chairs and table.

“We rebuilt staff quarters, built a fence with new rails and gate and solar powered borehole with full reticulation to all areas of the hospital.

“We also installed high capacity 10KVA solar power, established drainage systems, refurbished hospital ambulance and performed general landscaping with asphalted pavements.”

Ekoh announced the establishment of a Hospital Endowment Fund to support the hospital's ongoing operations, inviting contributions to ensure its long-term viability.