NEWS
GOV. OTTI TARGETS GLOBAL JCI CERTIFICATION AS ABSUTH, AMACHARA, AND UMUNNATO HOSPITALS UNDERGO MASSIVE TRANSFORMATION
Abia State is witnessing a bold and strategic transformation in its healthcare sector as Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, sets his sights on securing the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) certification for key tertiary medical institutions in the State.
The hospitals at the center of this ambitious push include Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Amachara Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, and Umunnato Specialist Hospital, Bende. These facilities are currently undergoing comprehensive reconstruction and are being upgraded into modern referral centres designed to serve the three senatorial zones of Abia State.
JCI certification, widely regarded as the global gold standard for healthcare quality, patient safety, and operational excellence, is currently held by only two hospitals in Nigeria – IWOSAN Lagoon Hospitals and EHA Clinics.
Governor Otti’s administration is determined to position Abia among this elite group by ensuring that its healthcare institutions meet and surpass international benchmarks.
The Governor reaffirmed this commitment on Monday, April 27th, 2026, while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JNCI, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, alongside her team. The delegation briefed him on the progress recorded so far in the redesign, reconstruction, and equipping of the hospitals.
The transformation effort builds on earlier successes recorded by the administration. Before Governor Otti assumed office, Abia State University Teaching Hospital had lost accreditation.
However, through swift intervention, the administration restored the accreditation in the first phase after surpassing the requirements of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The ongoing second phase now focuses on redesigning, remodeling, and constructing new world-class facilities that align with global healthcare standards.
Similarly, the reconstruction and upgrading of Amachara Specialist Hospital and Umunnato Specialist Hospital are initiatives conceived and driven by the current administration, forming part of a broader plan to strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery across the State.
Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being carried out across the facilities. He also revealed ongoing efforts to restructure the management and leadership of ABSUTH, while reiterating his readiness to approve all necessary documentation to accelerate the projects. This comes as the State prepares to receive a major diagnostic boost through the donation of an MRI machine by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
“I am happy that we have made a lot of progress. While we are doing these, we are also rejigging the management and leadership of ABSUTH, Aba. Everything is going on simultaneously,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor further emphasized that key strategic decisions, such as the centralisation of advanced radiography services, were taken after careful consideration to maximize efficiency and impact across the State’s healthcare system.
“The decision to centralise radiography, particularly at the highest level, was not taken lightly. We concluded that, it would be more useful at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital.
“All the documents that are required to be signed, please let’s have them, and we will sign and return them within the week. We will also put more pressure on the contractor, even if he has to work 24 hours, because I do not like the sound of delay.” Governor Otti stated.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Amachara and Umunnato Specialist Hospitals, Governor Otti explained that both institutions are being developed as critical tertiary healthcare centres that will complement ABSUTH and expand access to quality medical services across the State.
Beyond infrastructure, the Governor stressed that his administration is driven by a firm commitment to delivering tangible results and lasting impact in the healthcare sector.
“What we are doing in Aba, we want to replicate in Amachara as another specialist tertiary Hospital. It’s either we are doing it right, or we are not doing it at all.
“A lot of times, people know what to do, but they don’t have the will to do it. Here, we know what to do, and we have the will, and we will not stop until we achieve it,” Governor Otti added.
Earlier, in her presentation, Mrs. Clare Omatseye provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing healthcare transformation initiatives across Abia State’s tertiary institutions. She praised the Governor for prioritizing healthcare through a sustained 15 percent budgetary allocation and far-reaching systemic reforms.
According to her, the State has recorded significant progress across all levels of healthcare delivery, including increased funding, recruitment of medical personnel, expansion of health insurance coverage, and the revitalization of over 200 primary healthcare centres.
Mrs. Omatseye also announced a major milestone in the State’s healthcare journey, the donation of a $1 million, 1.5 Tesla MRI machine by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She described the gesture as a reflection of the Governor’s leadership credibility and growing confidence in the State’s healthcare reforms.
She confirmed that the advanced diagnostic equipment would be installed at ABSUTH in line with the Governor’s directive to ensure optimal utilization.
Providing further insight into the ABSUTH redevelopment project, she highlighted ongoing upgrades in architectural design, integration of modern medical equipment, and key infrastructure improvements required to meet JCI accreditation standards. She also stressed the importance of timely approvals, completion of critical construction components, and the need for sustainable power solutions to support advanced medical technologies.
Mrs. Omatseye concluded by noting that Abia State is firmly on track toward achieving internationally recognized healthcare standards, adding that the reforms are not only transforming infrastructure but also improving access, affordability, and quality of care for residents.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, alongside other key aides of the Governor in the health sector, underscoring the administration’s unified approach to delivering a world-class he
althcare system for the people of Abia State.