By Ignatius Chukwu
Tricycle operators in Abia State have started harvesting from the levies they pay in the state, starting with eyecare scheme. This is done in partnership with the state government through two relevant ministries.
Details:
The Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) has in partnership with the state Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Health, organised a three-week ‘Free Medical Outreach’ for tricycle operators in the commercial city of Aba and its environs.
Speaking at the flag off of the outreach at the Abayi Umuochom Primary School in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, the state Commissioner of Transport, Hon. Chimezie Ukaegbu, emphasised the importance of healthcare for the people, especially those engaged in rigorous physical activities.
He commended the tricycle association for putting premium on the health of the tricycle operators, stating that the welfare package was a valuable contribution to the growth of the state.
Hon. Ukaegbu remarked: “I am happy that the medical outreach is going on smoothly as planned and I can see the excitement written all over the faces of the operators, who, I am told, are also delighted by the good performance of the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.”
He said that ASTOPU’s choice of Aba for the medical outreach was an acknowledgement of Governor Otti’s special attention to the health sector, demonstrated by his decision to renovate and upgrade a number of health facilities in the state.
The Commissioner noted that it was the first time a transport union in the state organized a free medical programme for its members, adding that it was proof that the welfare tickets they were buying on a regular basis was worthwhile and could bring tangible benefits for them.
Speaking at the venue at Ehere Primary School, Ogbor Hill, Aba, the Chairman of Abia State Tricycle Union, Comrade Victor Azubuike Chimgozirim, said that the union was following the footsteps of the state governor who was positively touching the lives of the people.
He said that the union thought it wise to give back to the tricycle operators to get them to feel the impact of the government that they had been paying tax to. “It shows that the infrastructure and welfare tickets we have been paying attracts some benefits,” he said.
He said further: “We have a lot to do for the tricycle operators as their welfare is our concern, such as the health insurance scheme. We will continue to give back to them from the little we are getting.”
The union chairman appealed to the government to support the tricycle operators in the area of empowerment, noting that it was very expensive to buy and maintain the tricycles.
He assured that members of ASTOPU would continue to support the Labour Party government led by Dr Alex Otti.
Throwing more light on the medical outreach, the Secretary of ASTOPU, Comrade Kenneth Nwosu, said that the medical team for the outreach programme was drawn from the Abia State University Teaching Hospital with the full backing of the Ministry of Health.
He stated: “Apart from health welfare, we have other packages for our members, but we are taking them one after the other.” He mentioned the insurance package, too.
Nwosu stressed the need for welfare for tricycle operators, observing thus: “We spend time making money and pursuing other things, forgetting that health is wealth. Without good health, we are nothing but moving corpse.”
He assured that the tricycle operators would always support Governor Otti for his infrastructural development, citing some of the roads his administration had reconstructed in different parts of the state and pledged their unalloyed loyalty.
One of the beneficiaries of the medical outreach and a tricycle operator, Mr. Tony Egwim, expressed gratitude to ASTOPU and the Abia State government for bringing free Medicare to the doorsteps of the poor people.
“I have an eye problem and they attended to me and gave me free drugs,” he said.
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