Abia to recruit more health workers, plans 35th anniversary

The Abia State Government has announced plans to recruit more health workers, including medical officers, dental officers and consultants, in a new phase of healthcare reforms. This comes following the state's ranking as the top-ranked state in healthcare affordability and quality healthcare delivery nationwide, according to a recent report by Philips Consulting and SBI.

Governor Alex Otti presided over the State Executive Council meeting where this announcement was made. The Ministry of Health has also piloted a digital application called "CYTrack" to monitor high-risk and teenage pregnancies, aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality. The state has seen significant progress in its health sector, with the number of functionalized Basic Health Centres increasing from 148 to 151.

Additionally, the state health insurance scheme enrollment rose from 233,000 to 237,000 during a specific period. The Abiriba Community Improvement Union has committed to sponsoring over 1,000 indigent persons under the informal sector to strengthen the scheme. The Ministry of Housing has been directed to sanitize the World Bank Housing Estate in Aba and carry out remedial works, while collaboration with the Ministry of Works is planned for rainy-season maintenance on Amauba Estate roads.

The state will celebrate its 35th anniversary this month, with projects such as the Obingwa General Hospital and the Cottage Hospital at Amamba Estate set to be commissioned.