Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has approved the site for the construction of a General Hospital in Atani Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area, as part of efforts to expand access to quality healthcare across the state.
The approval followed an inspection of the proposed site by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, and members of the state Health Team on Wednesday.
Speaking during the inspection, Prof. Uche said the project was in line with Governor Otti’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare infrastructure in every part of Abia.
“We are here on the directive of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, to inspect the proposed site for the Abam General Hospital.
“The Governor believes that every Abian, irrespective of location, deserves access to quality healthcare, and that is exactly what this project represents”, he said.
The commissioner said the proposed site met all technical requirements for a standard General Hospital, including accessibility, environmental suitability, climate resilience and adequate land size.
He commended the Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Okoro, for facilitating the process after earlier sites failed to meet the required standards.
Prof Uche also praised the people of Atani Abam for donating more than the required land for the project and described the gesture as a demonstration of their commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the area.
The Commissioner disclosed that architectural designs for the hospital had been completed, while procurement was underway, assuring that construction would commence after the necessary approvals.
“This project will not end as another proposal on paper. The designs are ready, procurement is ongoing, and we will soon move to the construction phase.
“Under Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, we are determined to build a hospital that will serve not only Abam but neighbouring communities for generations to come”, the commissioner said.
He added that the state’s sustained investment in healthcare was already improving maternal and child health outcomes through better infrastructure, equipment, manpower and sector reforms.
Also speaking, the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Okoro, described the project as a historic milestone for the people of Abam, saying the community’s donation of the land reflects their commitment to partnering with the government to improve healthcare delivery.
Chairman of Atani Abam Community Union, Elder Kalu Ena Kalu, thanked Governor Otti for approving the project and pledged the community’s full support.
“We are overwhelmed with joy. Governor Alex Otti is a leader who fulfils his promises. We fully support this initiative and will continue to stand firmly behind the government in ensuring its success”, he said.
