NEWS
ABIA STATE HEALTH SECTOR RECEIVES MAJOR BOOST AS UKWA EAST GENERAL HOSPITAL PROJECT KICKS OFF, GOVERNMENT ROLLS OUT FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH AND LIFE-SAVING SURGERIES ACROSS THE STATE
The Abia State Government has taken another significant step in strengthening the healthcare delivery system with the commencement of construction work on the Ukwa East General Hospital located at Ohanku Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that the hospital project, which is already underway, is expected to be completed within a nine-month timeline. He expressed strong optimism that the facility would be ready for commissioning by December, signaling the administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
Prince Kanu made this known on Monday at Government House Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti. The update highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the health sector through strategic infrastructure development and targeted medical interventions.
In further demonstration of its people-oriented approach, the Abia State Government also announced plans to partner with AMPA to organise a comprehensive free medical outreach scheduled to hold from April 11 to April 17, 2026, across Aba and Umuahia.
The outreach programme is designed to deliver critical healthcare services to residents at no cost, including medical consultations, general surgeries, eye care procedures, and capacity-building training for health workers. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the burden of medical expenses on citizens while enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals within the state.
Additionally, the Commissioner revealed that the State Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Jimmy Carter Foundation to carry out specialized heart and cell surgeries for selected patients. A total of 74 patients have already been identified as beneficiaries of this life-saving intervention.
The surgeries are slated to take place at Aba General Hospital, Abia State Specialist Hospital Umuahia, and Nkporo Cottage Hospital, all of which have been positioned to handle the procedures effectively. Residents have been encouraged to take full advantage of these programmes, which reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to improving public health outcomes and ensuring that quality medical care is accessi
ble to all.