Otti's Health Revolution: Abia Workers Get CONHESS as 250 PHCs Near Completion, Global Partners Join Mission

... Governor Alex Otti's administration cements Abia's place among Nigeria's leading health reform states with salary upgrades, recruitment, and world-class healthcare partnerships.

In a major step toward transforming Abia's healthcare system, the Abia State Government has approved the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for Local Government health workers across the state - a move hailed as one of the most progressive in the country.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a media briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, following this week's State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu described the approval as part of the Governor's sweeping reforms in the state's civil service, emphasizing that Abia now joins a select few states that have adopted the Federal Government's Consolidated Health Salary Structure for healthcare workers.

"The state government continues to prioritize the welfare and working conditions of its workforce,ÔÇØ he said, noting that this decision further demonstrates Governor Otti's commitment to motivate health workers and ensure quality healthcare delivery at all levels.

The Information Commissioner also revealed that the functionalisation of 52 newly renovated and equipped Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) is underway, bringing the total number of operational PHCs in the state to 102.

He added that the government aims to complete renovation and equipment work on the remaining 98 PHCs before the end of the year, with at least 250 fully functional health centers expected to serve Abians and residents before year-end.

Additionally, more than 50 out of 79 World Bank IMPACT PHCs are set to be completed before the close of 2025.

"We are delighted that Abians are now patronizing PHCs as envisioned by Governor Otti - ensuring easy access to affordable and quality healthcare for all,ÔÇØ Prince Kanu added.

In what is seen as a milestone for international collaboration, the Abia government has announced multiple global health partnerships involving top hospitals in Sweden and renowned medical missions such as ProHealth International and Abia Diaspora Medical Outreach Group.

According to the Commissioner, the first outreach, in partnership with ProHealth International, will hold from November 16 to 22, 2025, followed by the Abia Diaspora Medical Outreach from December 12 to 19, 2025.

In April 2026, the Abia Medical Practitioners Association (AMPA) outreach will take place, while the Swedish Global Health Outreach is scheduled for May 2026.

These initiatives, Kanu said, are designed to bring advanced medical services to communities across Abia, bridging the gap between local healthcare delivery and international standards.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the Abia State Health Recruitment Portal has been reopened, inviting applications from qualified ophthalmologists, medical officers, dental officers, and consultants (both part-time and full-time).

This recruitment drive aims to strengthen the manpower base in the state's revitalized healthcare system, ensuring that every newly equipped PHC operates with qualified professionals.

"This is a health revolution driven by vision, reform, and compassion,ÔÇØ Kanu concluded.