Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved the immediate construction of 55 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 27 local councils to bring healthcare closer to residents of the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, the governor said the new centres will complement those already renovated, equipped, and functional.

“With these 55 new Primary Health Centres now underway, we aim to bring healthcare services even closer to our people. This move aligns with our resolve to ensure that our people enjoy the good health they truly deserve,” the statement read.

Ugochukwu noted that the initiative would strengthen healthcare infrastructure in underserved communities and improve access to preventive and primary care. Selected sites include Enyiogwugwu PHC and Beku PHC in Aboh Mbaise, and Nnarambia HC and Ihenweorie HC in Ahiazu Mbaise, among others across the state.
The statement highlighted that Imo State maintains an estimated 25–30 health facilities per 100,000 people, higher than the national average of 17 per 100,000, and leads Nigeria in child vaccination coverage, achieving over 98 percent immunization rates and protecting more than 169,000 children in 2020.

Ugochukwu further stated that the Imo Health Insurance Scheme has reduced out-of-pocket medical costs, safeguarded vulnerable groups, and provided effective emergency referrals, managing over 500 cases at no cost to patients within 10 months.

In a related development, the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) has commenced the construction of eight new PHCs in oil-producing communities.

Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, announced the development during a site visit in Oguta Local Government Area.
He credited the initiative to Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and said the centres will provide maternal and child health services, routine immunizations, infectious disease management, and emergency care.

“These projects are fully funded through ISOPADEC’s mandate and will create jobs during construction and long-term employment opportunities for health professionals. These aren’t just clinics; they’re engines of community growth,” Onyedebelu said.

The new ISOPADEC PHCs are sited in Ejemekwuru/Akabor and Egwe/Egbuoma in Oguta LGA; Ohuba and Egbema F in Ohaji/Egbema LGA; and Amiri 2, Amagu, Akatta 1, and Awo-Omamma 1 in Oru East LGA.