Otti calls for collaboration to strengthen healthcare system

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. Photo credit: File

The Abia State Government has called for sustained collaboration with Federal Tertiary Hospitals and other medical institutions to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, as well as advance the proposed Abia Medical City.

Speaking during the 115th quarterly meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, the state governor, Alex Otti, emphasised that healthcare is a critical component of human development and economic growth.

Represented by the deputy governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor emphasised that healthcare was allocated 15% of the state’s annual budget in 2026, adding that the governmrnt had recruited hundreds of healthcare professionals, as well as embarked on the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres across the state through Project EQIUP and other interventions.

He maintained that the proposed Abia Medical City is envisaged as an integrated healthcare ecosystem incorporating specialised medical services, research, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, medical technology, and other allied services, calling for partnerships to realise the vision.

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Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, commended the administration for the significant progress in the healthcare sector, highlighting the growing cooperation between the state government and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

The Chairman, Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, as well as the Chief Medical Director, Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation in the state health centre.

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Professor Azubuike Onyebuchi, disclosed that the government is constructing a twenty-room VIP ward at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia.