Otti Targets ABSUTH, Others for Specialist Hospital Upgrade in Abia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has set in motion plans to upgrade major hospitals in the state to meet Joint Commission International (JCI) certification standards.
The hospitals currently targeted for this transformation include the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Amachara Specialist Hospital, and Umunnato Specialist Hospital.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, it was disclosed that all the hospitals are currently undergoing comprehensive reconstruction.
Governor Otti explained that the facilities are being upgraded into modern referral centres to serve the three senatorial zones of the 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—IWO-SAN Lagoon Hospitals and EHA Clinics.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving JCI certification on Monday, while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JNCI International Limited, Clare Omatseye, and her team.
The delegation briefed him on progress made in the redesign, reconstruction, and equipping of the hospitals.
It will be recalled that before Governor Otti assumed office, ABSUTH had lost its accreditation.
However, his administration restored it during the first phase of intervention after the hospital met the requirements of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The ongoing second phase involves extensive redesign, remodelling, and construction of new structures that meet global healthcare standards.
He added that the reconstruction and upgrading of Amachara Specialist Hospital and Umunnato Specialist Hospital are key initiatives of his administration.
Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the pace of work across the healthcare facilities.
He also revealed that efforts are underway to restructure the management and leadership of ABSUTH, alongside plans to fast-track documentation processes required to accelerate project execution.
The Governor further disclosed that the state is preparing to receive an MRI machine donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I am happy that we have made significant progress. While these projects are ongoing, we are also restructuring the management and leadership of ABSUTH, Aba. Everything is progressing simultaneously,” Otti said.
He said that strategic decisions,such as the centralisation of advanced radiography services—were carefully considered to maximise efficiency and impact.
“The decision to centralise radiography services, particularly at the highest level, was not taken lightly. We concluded that it would be most effective at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital.
“All required documents should be forwarded for immediate signing. We will return them within the week. We will also intensify pressure on contractors,even if it requires round-the-clock work because delays are unacceptable,” he added.
Highlighting the roles of Amachara and Umunnato Specialist Hospitals within the broader healthcare strategy, the Governor noted that they are being developed as key tertiary healthcare institutions to complement ABSUTH.
“What we are doing in Aba, we intend to replicate in Amachara as another specialist tertiary hospital. It is either we do it right or not at all.
“Many people know what to do but lack the will to act. In this case, we have both the knowledge and the will, and we will not stop until we achieve our goals,” he stated.
Earlier, Mrs. Omatseye presented a comprehensive update on healthcare transformation initiatives across tertiary institutions in the state.
She commended the Governor for prioritising healthcare through sustained budgetary allocation of 15 percent and for implementing systemic reforms.
According to her, Abia State has recorded notable progress across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels, including increased funding, recruitment of medical personnel, expansion of health insurance coverage, and revitalisation of over 200 primary healthcare centres.
She also announced a major milestone the donation of a $1 million 1.5 Tesla MRI machine by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,describing it as a testament to the Governor’s leadership and credibility.
She confirmed that the equipment would be installed at ABSUTH to ensure optimal utilisation.
Mrs. Omatseye further outlined ongoing work at ABSUTH, including upgraded architectural designs aligned with global standards, modern medical equipment planning, and critical infrastructure enhancements required for JCI accreditation.
She stressed the importance of timely approvals, completion of construction milestones, and the integration of sustainable power solutions to support advanced medical technologies.
She noted that Abia State is on a strong trajectory toward achieving internationally recognised healthcare standards, noting that the reforms are improving infrastructure as well as access, affordability, and quality of care.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, alongside other government officials in the health sector, was present at the meeting.
