DR. AKABUIKE PRAISES SOLUDO’S HEALTHCARE VISION FOLLOWING UNSCHEDULED VISIT TO EKWULOBIA GENERAL HOSPITAL The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Hon. Dr. Joe Akabuike, on Tuesday, 4th February 2026, paid an unscheduled visit to Ekwulobia General Hospital, where he expressed deep satisfaction with the level of transformation in the facility. Dr. Akabuike was visibly impressed by the upgraded infrastructure, availability of modern medical equipment, and the overall functional environment of the hospital. He also noted with delight the large turnout of patients, orderly queued to see doctors, as well as the visible presence of doctors and nurses actively discharging their duties. Commending the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, Dr. Akabuike described the state’s healthcare transformation as a reflection of purposeful and people-oriented leadership. He observed that the effective functioning of primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state has significantly improved access to quality healthcare for Ndi Anambra. According to him, when these levels of care operate optimally, they drastically reduce the pressure on tertiary institutions, which should serve as the last resort for complex and critical medical cases. Dr. Akabuike further emphasized that not all health challenges require referral to teaching hospitals, noting that a well-structured healthcare system ensures proper case management at appropriate levels. He described Anambra as a privileged state with a Governor who prioritizes healthcare development across all tiers, including the establishment of General Hospitals in areas that previously lacked such facilities. He thanked Governor Soludo for the massive investments in equipment and infrastructure at COOUTH, which, he said, have strengthened the hospital’s capacity to handle advanced and specialized medical cases, thereby consolidating the gains achieved at the primary and secondary healthcare levels. Public Relations Office COOUTH Amaku, Awka.