There was joy at the General Hospital, Enugwu-Ukwu today as the Enugwu-Ukwu People Renaissance Association, EPRA, formally presented a brand new ambulance to the hospital to strengthen emergency medical services in the community.
The presentation took place at the hospital premises and drew community leaders, hospital management, health workers, and residents who came to witness what many described as a timely intervention.
In the forwarding letter presented to the Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, and signed by the Leader of EPRA, Engr. Vincent Okeke, and the Secretary, Dr. Charles Ajaegbu, the group said the donation was necessary to support the hospital in emergency evacuation and to save lives during critical situations.
In the correspondence, Dr. Ajaegbu stated that the project reflects EPRA’s vision of a healthier and more responsive Enugwu-Ukwu, and called on the hospital management and the state government to ensure proper maintenance and use of the ambulance for the benefit of the entire community.
According to EPRA, the poor state of emergency transport has for years delayed the movement of patients to referral centers, especially during accidents, childbirth complications, and other urgent cases. The association noted that with the new ambulance, the hospital will now be better equipped to respond quickly and move patients safely.
Speaking during the handover, Engr. Vincent Okeke said EPRA, as a community development group, is committed to the welfare of Enugwu-Ukwu people at home and in the diaspora. He explained that the decision to provide the ambulance followed several appeals from the hospital management and feedback from residents on the challenges they face in accessing emergency care.
“We consider this donation not just as handing over a vehicle, but as giving our people a chance to live,” Engr. Okeke stated. “Our prayer is that this ambulance will serve the sick, the injured, and every resident who may need urgent help.”
Receiving the ambulance on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, Dr. Afam Obidike, was the Chief Medical Director of Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital, Dr. Dozie Kingsley Udolisa.
Dr. Udolisa expressed appreciation to EPRA for the kind gesture. He said the donation came at a critical time and will significantly reduce delays in patient evacuation to higher-level facilities in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi. He assured that the hospital management will ensure proper maintenance and optimal use of the ambulance for the benefit of the people.
The representative of the Commissioner for Health commended EPRA for complementing the efforts of the Soludo administration in improving healthcare delivery across Anambra State. He assured that the ministry will work with the hospital to integrate the ambulance into the state’s emergency response system.
Community members who witnessed the event applauded EPRA, describing the ambulance as “a gift of life” to Enugwu-Ukwu and its environs.
With this donation, the General Hospital, Enugwu-Ukwu is now better positioned to handle emergencies and provide timely care to those in need.