The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has advised pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid patronizing quacks and unwholesome medical services.
Mrs. Otti admonished the expectant mothers to instead use government medical facilities.
She gave the advice on Thursday at Akrika Ukwu Primary Healthcare Centre in Ukwa East LGA, where the first baby of the year, Miss Oluebubechi Nwatuobi, was delivered.
Mrs. Otti, who expressed joy that the first baby was delivered in government-owned primary healthcare centre, said it reflects the improvement and functionality of the primary healthcare system in Abia State.
She observed that pregnant women and nursing mothers receive better attention in government primary healthcare centres than anywhere else.
She presented the child and her mother with various food items, cash and other materials, explaining that the gesture was aimed at supporting the mother’s nutrition and overall wellbeing during the nursing period.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said some pregnant women and nursing mothers lost their lives to quack medical practitioners in the past, noting that the situation has since changed under the Alex Otti administration.
Responding, the parents of the newborn baby, Mr. Nwatuobi Chiagozie and Mrs. Blessing Chiagozie, thanked Mrs. Otti for the gifts.