The fully solar-powered and remodelled Mother of Mercy Hospital in Ihe-Shikeaguma, Awgu Local Government Area, has transformed medical services not only to the residents of Ihe town but also to nearby communities.
The hospital’s rehabilitation, which cost over N300 million, was led by the Ihe Development Initiative (IDI), a group composed of local entrepreneurs, academics, and servicemen. The facility was officially commissioned on 29th December 2024.
Commenting on the state of the hospital 90 days after IDI’s intervention, Rev. Fr. Michael Nwankwo, the Administrator of Mother of Mercy Hospital, stated that the people of Ihe are pleased because the facility has undergone a significant transformation and “can now compete with hospitals even in urban areas.”
“With the upgrade, the services we provide have improved, and we are now better equipped to respond to emergency situations. We have acquired a ventilator — a rarity in most hospitals — and our laboratory is now better equipped to conduct a wider range of routine tests and more.”
Father Nwankwo noted that the hospital now serves not just the people of Ihe; residents from distant communities, such as Agbo-ogwugwu, Ugbo, and Amoli, are also seeking medical care here. “The response has been remarkable, and we have become a healthcare provider for numerous nearby communities.”
Resident doctor Dr. Echem Michael remarked that following the hospital’s upgrade, both staff and patients are experiencing a transformed environment, with improved conditions for delivering healthcare.
“It was challenging to work here before due to poor infrastructure. Today, the facilities are a source of pride. We have better equipment, increased access to medications, improved beds, oxygen cylinders and their components, as well as enhanced staffing levels, resulting in a higher patient turnout.”
“For expectant mothers, we now offer suitable facilities for delivery, and the modern beds and equipment have made a significant difference. Today, I have my own office for consultations, unlike in the past when they were conducted in open wards.”
“Previously, our living quarters were inadequate, but now we have a much-improved structure, and we’ve resolved our water issues. Commuting to work has become straightforward; we enjoy constant electricity, and the welcoming community makes our work seamless.”
Scientist Okoro Juliet Ijeoma, a laboratory technician at the hospital, explained that it is equipped to perform tests including Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Culture Tests, Urine Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity (MSC), and Stool Microscopy among other procedures.
She also noted that while some additional equipment is still awaited, the hospital currently possesses a microscope, microhematocrit and macrohematocrit centrifuges, an incubator, and many other essential tools.
One patient, Mrs. Anastasia Ukamaka Nweke from Agbo-ogwugwu, expressed her satisfaction with the services she is receiving and was astonished by the extent of transformation in the hospital. She added,
“The hospital has saved me the hassle and expense of going to UNTH, which would have been my only option had this facility not undergone such a transformation.”
She extended her gratitude to the IDI members responsible for the hospital’s rehabilitation and prayed for continued blessings upon them.
Another patient, Hyginus Okafor from Owelle Court, commended the care he received, noting that the doctors and nurses are diligent in their duties. He urged the management to maintain the current standards of care and prayed for blessings upon them and the members of IDI.
Nwankwo Daniel Nnamdi from Ughueze Village in Ihe Town expressed his pride in the hospital’s achievements, stating, “When you enter the hospital and see the facilities, you realise how much our community has accomplished in remodelling it, which has greatly contributed to saving lives in Ihe and surrounding areas.”
He thanked the members of the Ihe Development Initiative who made this possible and encouraged other affluent member of the community to continue supporting such commendable initiatives.
Established in 1976 by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu with support from the late H.R.H. Igwe Dennis Nweke Chukwu (Igwe Denchukwu), the former Traditional Ruler of Ihe-Shikeaguma, the hospital is now managed by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu, which was formed from the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.
