Abia’s Health Performance Validates Gov. Otti’s Policy Direction
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
Gov. Alex Otti’s leadership style is fast becoming a model for political office holders across the country, who hope to leave lasting legacies for future generations.
This is evident in Abia’s remarkable transformation from a state once hampered by maladministration, deplorable entry and exit routes, heaps of refuse, irregular payment of salaries and pensions, a poor and non-functional health system, and a near collapse of its education sector, to one now recognised for improved governance and rising standards across critical sectors.
Gov. Otti’s administration, anchored on good governance and the welfare of citizens, has continued to attract acknowledgment from reputable institutions and organisations, much to the admiration of Abia residents.
A recent report published by the
SBM Health Preparedness Index ranked Abia as the most prepared state for health emergencies in the country, with a score of 26.85, the highest nationwide.
The SBM Health Preparedness Index evaluates the readiness of all the 36 states of the federation to respond effectively to health emergencies and provide comprehensive healthcare services. The report is released annually.
According to the findings, Abia’s strong performance is driven by the highest health spending per person in the country at N22,926, a robust 14.8 per cent budget allocation to health, and one of Nigeria’s highest Human Development Index scores at 0.674.
This ranking was not achieved through rhetoric or propaganda. Rather, it is the outcome of Gov. Otti’s deliberate and systematic approach to reversing the state’s troubled and unpalatable history in healthcare delivery.
On assumption of office, he inherited a comatose health sector, plagued by repeated industrial actions, the lack of essential drugs, dilapidated infrastructure, and poorly motivated staff. Most health centres in urban and rural communities were overtaken by grasses and rodents.
It was against this background that the governor declared a state of emergency in the health sector, alongside other critical areas, such as roads, environment, and education, upon his assumption of office in May 2023.
In his inaugural speech, he stated that the pursuit of social prosperity would amount to little if access to quality healthcare was not guaranteed for every demographic group across the more than 500 urban and rural communities in the state.
Fulfilling this commitment, the Abia Specialist Hospital, Umuahia and Amachara facility were upgraded and retrofitted, with the installation of new equipment at the Eye Centre and Diagnostics Department.
The Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba also received significant improvements in facilities and staffing to strengthen the training of medical professionals.
All the general hospitals in the state are currently at various stages of reconstruction and upgrade.
To reinforce primary healthcare, the government selected 200 Primary Health Centres across urban and rural communities for reconstruction and equipping with modern facilities and essential drugs under Project Ekwueme.
To address manpower gaps, the state announced vacancies for 771 positions for house officers, nurses, consultants, and other medical professionals.
The government has also prioritised continuous training for medical personnel through capacity development programmes designed to expose them to evolving trends and global best practices.
Additionally, thousands of indigent residents have benefited from free medical outreaches sponsored by the state. Available records indicate that over 10,000 individuals received free eye surgeries, laboratory and diagnostic services, and professional medical advice from specialised teams, including experts from abroad. These interventions have undoubtedly saved many from avoidable deaths and disability.
It is, therefore, clear that Abia’s ranking in the SBM Health Preparedness Index is not accidental. Under Gov. Otti, the health sector has seen marked improvements in infrastructure, service delivery, and manpower development within two-and-a-half years.
With plans underway to build a world class medical city that will reduce medical tourism and create expanded job opportunities for medical professionals, Abia is expected to maintain its leading position in health emergency response.
Residents also have a role to play by safeguarding health facilities in their communities from vandalism. As the saying goes, health is wealth, and Gov. Otti is investing significantly to secure a healthier future for all Abia residents.
Abia must succeed.
#GovOttiIsBuildingTheNewAbia
To God Be The Glory
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist and public affairs analyst writing from Umuahia.