Governor Otti Strengthens Healthcare With Biomedical Units, Set to Commission Major Roads and Hospitals in Abia
From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Alex Otti administration has taken another major step toward improving healthcare delivery in Abia State with the establishment of Biomedical Units across government-owned health facilities.
The initiative, announced by Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, is aimed at reducing hospital equipment failure, improving maintenance culture, and ensuring efficient healthcare services across the state.
Speaking to journalists after this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti, Kanu explained that the newly created biomedical units would oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment in public hospitals. According to him, the move is expected to minimize operational disruptions and enhance healthcare delivery for residents.
He further revealed that the project is being supported through a hands-on training programme for biomedical engineers and Ministry of Health personnel. The training is being conducted in partnership with engineers from MedstarUSA and CPR USA, who are currently in the state to support the initiative.
Kanu stated that the training programme, inaugurated on May 12, 2026, by Governor Otti through the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribole, will run until May 22, 2026. He described the programme as part of the broader healthcare reforms being implemented by the current administration.
As part of its public health intervention efforts, the state government also plans to distribute three million insecticide-treated mosquito nets in September to strengthen malaria prevention across the state. Kanu disclosed that malaria prevalence in Abia had dropped significantly from 16.5 percent in 2024 to 11.5 percent in 2025, reflecting progress in the government’s healthcare strategy.
The Commissioner also announced that several health facilities would be commissioned during activities marking the administration’s third anniversary later this month. These include Phase One of the Obingwa General Hospital and the Arochukwu General Hospital, alongside 15 newly equipped Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
In addition, the government has expanded its Digital Health Project, with four more primary healthcare centres expected to be onboarded in the current phase.
Beyond healthcare, Governor Otti is expected to commission 25 projects as part of the anniversary celebrations. Some of the major road projects include the Onu Imo Tower Road, Nunya-Isiukwuato Road, and Ahiaeke-Umuafai Road in Umuahia.
Kanu further disclosed that the State Executive Council has directed political appointees to take greater responsibility for projects within their communities. He explained that appointees at both state and local government levels are expected to support minor repairs, improve sanitation in schools, and promote environmental cleanliness.
According to him, the directive is designed to encourage leadership by example while sustaining development projects and improving service delivery across Abia State.
On public health concerns, the Commissioner said the state government is closely monitoring global disease outbreaks following alerts issued by the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control regarding Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
However, he reassured residents that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa fever, Mpox, diphtheria, yellow fever, cholera, or rabies in Abia State.
ALSO READ: Gowon’s Autobiography Launch Attracts Billions in Donations from Danjuma, Dangote, Others
He advised residents to maintain proper personal and environmental hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention whenever they feel unwell.
