NEWS
Governor Alex Otti Flags-Off Construction of World-Class 100-Bed Specialist Hospital in Bende
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially flagged-off the construction of a world-class 100-bed Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre at Umunnato in Bende Local Government Area, in a major move aimed at transforming healthcare delivery across the state.
The project, which is being sited at the abandoned Umunnato General Hospital, is expected to become one of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the region upon completion. The hospital would feature modern theatres, accident and emergency units, general outpatient departments, maternity wards, dental units, radiology departments, and a fully equipped 100-bed ward.
Speaking on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony held as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration, Governor Otti directed the contractor handling the project to ensure its completion within one year.
The governor assured residents of Abia North and the entire state that the hospital would be delivered within record time, stressing that his administration remains committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality medical services are brought closer to the people.
He further declared that every project initiated under his administration must be completed within the stipulated timeframe, adding that his government would not tolerate abandoned projects.
Explaining the rationale behind demolishing the old structure instead of renovating it, Governor Otti said experts advised that rebuilding the facility entirely would be more effective and economical than attempting to rehabilitate the decades-old structures.
“Anywhere we flag off a project, it means it will be commissioned, and it will be commissioned in record time.
“When we came to have a look at this place, it was a general hospital. We toyed with the idea of revamping it. But we found that there was no use.
“Because those who understand construction sometimes are better off pulling down a dilapidated structure like we did at the Government House in Umuahia. And we are rebuilding both the governor’s office and the governor’s residence.
“We found that it was cheaper to do that than to try and fix something that you probably wouldn’t even get exactly what you require,” Governor Otti stated.
The governor expressed confidence that the project would be completed and ready for commissioning during activities marking the fourth anniversary of his administration next year.
“So in the next one year, as we will be celebrating our fourth anniversary and preparing for the next inauguration, we should be commissioning this project,” he said.
To ensure strict compliance with project specifications and delivery timelines, Governor Otti constituted a four-man supervisory team comprising the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Hon. Ferdinand Ekeoma; House of Representatives hopeful for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Desmond Chima Anyaso; and the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Lady Ifeoma Agu.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Health in Abia State, Prof. Enoch Uche, described Governor Otti as “a purveyor of health” who has “charted the whole spectrum of development of Abia.”
He explained that the establishment of the specialist hospital aligns with Governor Otti’s promise that every senatorial zone in the state would have a tertiary healthcare institution serving as a referral centre for specialised medical services.
“Your Excellency, when you took over, you made it a point of priority that every senatorial district or senatorial zone in Abia State must have a tertiary hospital to serve as the pinnacle referral centre for that senatorial zone.
“And that is to bring specialised care to the doorstep of the Abians so that nobody is left behind,” Prof Uche stated.
According to the commissioner, the Abia State University Teaching Hospital would cater for residents of Abia South Senatorial District, while the Amachara Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre would serve Abia Central Senatorial District. The newly flagged-off Umunnato Specialist Hospital, he said, would serve the healthcare needs of Abia North Senatorial District.
Prof. Uche revealed that the abandoned hospital, which was originally established in 1962, had suffered severe neglect over the years and had deteriorated into a deplorable condition.
“This hospital was initially established in 1962. At that time, it was serving the whole of Abia North. Unfortunately, for 40 years, it has been abandoned.
“Because when we came to reclaim this place, we discovered dead bodies littered in some parts of this place because this place was abandoned,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that consultants working toward securing Joint Commission International (JCI) certification for the hospital, regarded globally as one of the highest standards in healthcare accreditation had already commenced work on the project under Governor Otti’s directive.
“Your Excellency, the people of Abia North want to thank you and the ministry wants to appreciate you. You have directed that this hospital should be a world-class tertiary hospital.
“This hospital will have the best facilities available anywhere in the world to take care of people,” he said.
He reiterated that the facility would include theatres, accident and emergency units, general outpatient departments, maternity wards, dental units, radiology departments, and a 100-bed ward equipped with modern medical facilities.
As part of the healthcare development activities in the area, Governor Otti also commissioned the completed Umuisi Primary Healthcare Facility and the Okafia Primary Healthcare Facility in Igbe
re, both located in Bende Local Government Area.