In a significant medical milestone, the newly retrofitted Ohiya Primary Healthcare Centre in Umuahia South Local Government Area has successfully managed a life-threatening obstetric emergency, delivering twin babies through an emergency caesarean section.
The 24-year-old patient, Mrs Chikamso Ibekwe, who was suffering from severe eclampsia, gave birth to twin boys, each weighing 3.2 kilogrammes, on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The State Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, who visited the facility on Thursday, described the successful procedure as strong validation of Governor Alex Otti’s healthcare reforms under the Project Ekwueme initiative.
Prof. Uche noted that the availability of modern equipment, essential drugs, oxygen, and skilled personnel enabled the primary healthcare facility to handle a condition previously considered too complex for that level of care.
“Eclampsia remains one of the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality. Without prompt intervention, this case could have resulted in multiple fatalities,” the Commissioner said.
He explained that the ministry received the positive report shortly after the State Executive Council meeting, adding that such complex emergency operations were rarely performed at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the past due to inadequate facilities and manpower.
The commissioner further disclosed plans by the state government to introduce roving medical teams to respond swiftly to emergencies, especially in rural communities, as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response and reduce maternal mortality.
The doctor who performed the surgery, Dr Joseph Ngene, said the patient arrived in critical condition with extremely high blood pressure and seizures. He explained that the medical team quickly stabilised her, controlled the seizures, and successfully carried out the emergency caesarean section.
Both mother and twins are said to be responding well to treatment.
The Health Authority Secretary of Umuahia South LGA, Mrs Eucharia Igwe, attributed the success to the recent upgrade of the facility by the state government, assuring residents of improved healthcare services.
The Deputy Traditional Prime Minister of Ohiya Autonomous Community, Chief Ubadire Agoha, commended Governor Otti for prioritising the health sector, noting that the intervention is already yielding positive results in the community.
The patient’s husband, Mr Patrick Ibekwe, expressed deep gratitude to the state government, describing the intervention as life-saving. The mechanic, who also benefited from financial support from the government, prayed for continued progress under the Otti administration.
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