AWKA/Nigeria: After decades of hardship, loss, and long treks in search of medical help, residents of Ayamelum Local Government Area in Anambra State say life has finally taken a positive turn with the inauguration of the new Solution General Hospital at Anaku.
The residents shared emotional stories of survival and gratitude during an inspection tour of the facility led by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, describing the hospital as “a miracle” and “a long-awaited answer to years of neglect.”
For Mrs. Nneka Okafor, a farmer from Umumbo community, the new hospital represents healing after years of pain. “We used to travel several miles by motorcycle just to get medical help at Umueri. Sometimes, people died on the way,” she recalled. “My co-wife went into labour one night, and before we could find a motorcycle to take her to the hospital, she passed away. I can never forget that loss. Now, we have a hospital right here in our community. That alone gives us peace of mind.”
Pa Anthony Onochie, another resident, said sickness used to bring fear to every household in Ayamelum because access to healthcare was nearly impossible. Similarly, Mrs. Ebere Onuchukwu from Omasi community recounted how her sister died in labour while being transported on a pothole-ridden road to Otuocha. “Before now, childbirth was a huge risk. With this new hospital, we can finally hope for safe deliveries,” she said.
President-General of Anaku community, Mr. Paul Nwauba, described the hospital as “a beacon of hope and healing” after decades without a functional public health facility. He said residents were previously forced to travel to Otuocha, Nsugbe, Onitsha, or even Awka for medical attention — journeys that often proved fatal during emergencies. “For the people of Ayamelum, this is not just a hospital; it is the restoration of dignity and life. We thank Governor Chukwuma Soludo for remembering us,” Nwauba stated.
For 72-year-old Pa John Ejimofor, the moment was deeply personal. “For the first time, our children will be born in a proper hospital within our own land. I never thought I would live to see this day,” he said emotionally.
Mr. Chukwudi Nwafor, a commercial motorcyclist, noted that the hospital had also brought economic relief. “We used to spend over N10,000 just to take a sick person to another town. Now, that money can be used for treatment and drugs,” he said. The community youth leader, Mr. Christopher Obiorah, revealed that his father and several others recently underwent free hernia surgeries at the hospital, praising the facility for offering quality and affordable healthcare.
Dr. Afam Obidike, Commissioner for Health, told journalists that the newly inaugurated facility was part of Governor Soludo’s strategic vision to provide one functional general hospital in every local government area of the state. “Governor Soludo is intentional about bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural communities. No Anambra citizen should die because they cannot afford or access medical care,” he said.
The Solution General Hospital, Anaku now provides a range of services including maternal and child health, emergency care, surgery, laboratory tests, eye care, immunisation, and access to essential drugs. Other facilities inspected by the Commissioner include the General Hospital, Ekwulobia; Specialist Hospital, Fegge, Onitsha; the Rehabilitation Centre, Nibo; and the Trauma Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka — all part of the state’s expanding healthcare network under Governor Soludo’s administration.
