Abia State's Otti Advocates for Healthcare Collaboration

During the 115th quarterly meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, called for sustained collaboration with Federal Tertiary Hospitals and other medical institutions to strengthen the state's healthcare system. Otti emphasized that healthcare is vital for human development and economic growth, noting that 15% of the state's annual budget for 2026 is allocated to healthcare.

The government has recruited hundreds of healthcare professionals and is rehabilitating primary healthcare centers through Project EQIUP and other initiatives. Otti also discussed the proposed Abia Medical City, envisioned as an integrated healthcare ecosystem, and urged for partnerships to realize this vision.

Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Secretary to the State Government, praised the administration's progress in healthcare, while Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, Chairman of the Committee, acknowledged the cooperation in the state health center. Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, announced the construction of a twenty-room VIP ward at the facility.