By Nworisa Michael
The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has commended Abia State for significant improvements in healthcare delivery across the state.
Chairman of the committee, Mr. Amos Magaji, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Magaji said the committee was in the state on an oversight visit to assess the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other health interventions. He explained that the visit was part of a nationwide assessment ahead of a proposed increase in the BHCPF allocation from one per cent to two per cent.
According to him, the committee observed notable progress in healthcare delivery and urban renewal, describing Abia as one of the success stories in the health sector. He noted that the state had exceeded the Abuja Declaration benchmark by allocating over 15 per cent of its budget to the health sector.
Magaji added that Abia had revitalised both primary and specialist healthcare facilities and significantly reduced maternal mortality rates from over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 139 in 2025.
“We have visited over 30 states, and Abia clearly stands out as one of the great success stories in the health sector,” he said.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti said his administration prioritised providing every resident with the highest possible chance of survival when accessing healthcare services. He stated that the government was also creating an enabling environment to attract and retain skilled health professionals in the state.
Magaji further revealed that several doctors, including a neurosurgeon, were returning from the United States and other countries to work in Abia.
Governor Otti said the consistent allocation of at least 15 per cent of the state budget to health reflected his administration’s belief that healthcare is essential social infrastructure and not a profit-driven investment.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, said the lawmakers were in the state to verify ongoing reforms and the utilisation of the BHCPF. He disclosed that the government was funding “Project Ekwueme” to renovate 200 primary healthcare centres across the state.
Uche added that the state health insurance scheme currently has over 185,000 enrollees, with a target of 500,000 by the end of the year and one million by 2027.
Earlier, Chairman of the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mr. Emeka Obioma, said the visit was statutory and that the committee’s findings showed performance beyond expectations.