In line with her legislative oversight responsibilities and commitment to quality healthcare delivery, the Councilor representing the good people of Umuagwu/Umunwoha Ward, and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Helen Chimdiya Opurum, paid a working visit to Mbieri General Hospital, where she was met with a deeply disturbing sight.
Accompanying her on the visit was Lady Victoria Echeruo , the president general Mbieri Nwaotuoke Union women wing, whose presence further underscored the importance of the hospital to the wellbeing of the community.
The once-functional health facility is now a shadow of its former self — overgrown bushes, dilapidated structures, and a critical lack of medical equipment define its current state. Even more heartbreaking is the absence of a resident doctor in the hospital. Despite the presence of structures that could conveniently serve as a doctor’s residence, maternity ward, and other vital units, the hospital remains largely underutilized.
During the tour, Hon. Opurum took note of a plaque at the entrance of the main building — a memorial to the men and women who contributed selflessly to establish the hospital. Of notable mention was the Mbieri Nwaotuoke Women wing under the leadership of Margaret A. Ndikom as the President General, whose efforts were instrumental in laying the foundation for the facility. The Ndikom family’s love and desire for the progress of Mbieri did not begin today. That legacy of service continues through her son, Chief (Prof.) Kyrian Chinedu Ndikom , the Traditional Prime Minister of Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community, who is fully committed to the development and peace of Mbieri.
Speaking with newsmen, Prof. Kyrian Chinedu Ndikom, the Traditional Prime Minister of Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community and son of Margaret A. Ndikom, revealed that the women of Mbieri taxed themselves and worked tirelessly to see the hospital project come to life. He recounted how they went as far as meeting the then Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Dee Sam Mbakwe, who, in recognition of their efforts, issued a cheque of ₦50,000 to support the project.
Prof. Ndikom emphasized that the women were meticulous in managing the resources, keeping accurate records of every donor and inscribing their names on the hospital wall as a legacy of accountability and unity.
He further issued a passionate appeal to all well-meaning sons and daughters of Mbieri to join hands with him in rebuilding Mbieri General Hospital. He stressed that the hospital is the only legacy facility the people of Mbieri truly own, a landmark that their mothers labored and paid for, and which, if restored, would go a long way in improving local healthcare and stimulating development across the region.
“This hospital is all we have. It is the pride and sacrifice of our mothers — a legacy we must not allow to rot away. If we come together, we can restore it to greatness, and through it, Mbieri will rise again,” Prof. Ndikom stated.
Hon. Opurum echoed his sentiment, calling on the government at all levels, as well as well-meaning individuals and philanthropic organizations, to urgently intervene in the complete rehabilitation of Mbieri General Hospital. According to her, this facility holds the potential to decongest the overwhelming demand on city hospitals, while also serving as a catalyst for development — especially along the major road it sits on.
Hon. Helen Opurum reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of her constituents, and will continue to follow up on necessary actions to restore the hospital to full functionality.
