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The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has lauded Abia State for remarkable progress in healthcare delivery, describing it as a model for other states.
Committee chairman Amos Magaji made the disclosure on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South. The visit formed part of a nationwide oversight exercise to assess the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other health interventions, ahead of a proposed increase in the fund’s allocation from one to two per cent.
Magaji highlighted Abia’s significant improvements in urban renewal and healthcare services, noting that the state had surpassed the Abuja Declaration by allocating over 15 per cent of its budget to health and revitalising primary and specialist hospitals. Maternal mortality has reportedly dropped from over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 births in 2016 to 139 in 2025. “We have visited over 30 states, and Abia is clearly one of the great success stories in the health sector,” he said.
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Governor Otti emphasised that his administration prioritises giving residents the highest possible chance of survival and is creating an environment to attract and retain skilled health professionals. Magaji added that doctors, including neurosurgeons, are returning from the United States and other countries to work in Abia.
Health Commissioner Enoch Uche said the committee’s visit verified ongoing reforms and the utilisation of the BHCPF. The state has funded ‘Project Ekwueme’ to renovate 200 primary healthcare centres and operates a health insurance scheme with over 185,000 enrollees, aiming to reach 500,000 by the end of 2026 and one million by 2027.
Committee member Emeka Obioma described the visit as statutory and noted that the findings demonstrated performance beyond expectations, reinforcing Abia’s reputation as a leader in health sector reforms.
This recognition positions Abia as a benchmark for effective healthcare investment, reflecting the state government’s commitment to social infrastructure over profit-driven models.
