History

HISTORY

History of the School of Health Technology, Okporo Orlu, Imo State

The school of Health Technology Okporo, Orlu, is owned and managed by the Catholic Diocese of Orlu and was established in 2005 on the approval of Most Rev. Dr. Gregory Ochiagha, the Bishop emeritus of the Diocese and under the regime of Monsignor Boniface Ibe the then health co-ordinator of the Diocese and Rev. Sr. StellaMaris Okoroha (DMMM) the then Matron of St. Damian’s Hospital Okporo-Orlu who is also the foundress of the school

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE SCHOOL

The School of Health Technology Okporo-Orlu started like the biblical mustered seed which nobody expected to be a big tree. This dream of the biblical Joseph came true after many years, when the efforts of the former Medical Director, Dr. F.C. Iyare to establish an institute of Health Science failed. He left for Ebonyi State. In 2004, following the establishment of University Teaching Hospital, Orlu there was a brain drain of St. Damian’s Hospital professional to the newly established Teaching Hospital, thereby leaving St. Damian Hospital in the hands of Auxiliary nurses.

On a second thought, Sr. StellaMaris Okoroha, DMMM, who was newly posted to St. Damian’s Hospital, realized that the concept of SWOT analysis (strength, weakness, opportunity and treats) can be applied in any situation. Knowing fully well that strength and weakness fall under the internal environment of an organization while opportunity and treat adequately express the circumstances of the external environment. Infact, it is a management tool for proper analysis.

The above idea was communicated to Monsignor Boniface Ibe (late), that if community Health Care extension workers are trained in the next three years, we will be able to employ our own students staff. He relayed the same to his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gregory Ochiagha, who gave his consent and blessing for the take off. Sr. StellaMaris set out to Abuja in the company of Mr. Poki Chingwe to seek application from the community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria. This application was granted by the Board and pre-accreditation list was given.

In July 2005, the Board came for the accreditation visit having met the requirements. With the effort of people like Mr. P. Ajaero (Pioneer HOD), Chief J.A.N. Ekeh , Mr.B.E. Dike, Miss P. Osunkwo, Miss Chidinma Osunwa, Sir V.L Onwuzuruigbo (Pioneer Principal), Mr. Ezea J. (Late). Finally in August, 2005, the board gave the school provisional accreditation to start the training of community Health extension Workers (Senior and Junior Cadres). The school took off at the Children’s Ward of St. Damian’s Hospital Okporo as well made use of the hospital facilities like the Laboratory , Hostel, Bus, Labourers, cleaners and security outfit, etc to run the school affairs.