Abia State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, has embarked on a comprehensive tour of healthcare facilities in the state, assessing their condition and outlining plans for renovation and staffing improvements.
During his visit to the Abia State Health Insurance Agency (ABSHIA) and the Children’s Specialist Hospital, Prof. Uche was accompanied by a team of engineers who conducted on-site surveys to identify areas requiring retrofitting, refurbishment, and re-equipping. The aim is to enhance healthcare delivery and provide accessible, affordable, and quality services to the people of Abia.
Pointing out the key areas of focus which include the construction of a perimeter fence at ABSHIA and comprehensive refurbishment of the Children’s Specialist Hospital, including remodeling of interiors and construction of residential quarters for medical professionals, the Commissioner disclosed that the government is reviewing salaries to bring them at par with federal government rates and potentially offer higher compensation.
He pointed out that a centralized payroll system would ensure that all healthcare workers are accounted for and receive their dues, adding also that the state government is working to build capacity in primary healthcare, with the goal of allowing autonomy for local governments once they demonstrate the ability to deliver required milestones.
In a separate development, Prof. Uche met with the Abia State Medical and Health Workers Union to discuss critical issues affecting healthcare workers, including the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The union agreed to grant an extension until April 30, 2025, for the government to complete the implementation process.
The commissioner also granted an exclusive interview to a delegate from Blake and Harper and the World Bank, highlighting the challenges facing healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan Africa and the government’s proactive measures to address these issues.
