Governor Alex Otti has officially commissioned a multi-purpose hospital in Obeaja, Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State, developed under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative by the Federal Government. This hospital, equipped with 100 beds, was initiated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and completed under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for overseeing the completion of the hospital and transforming it into a versatile facility capable of addressing various healthcare needs within the community.

Governor Otti assured that the Abia State government would assume responsibility for managing the hospital. He emphasized the necessity for 24-hour security, additional land for doctors’ quarters, and a dedicated facility management team to maintain high standards of service.

Highlighting healthcare advancements, Otti noted a significant decline in maternal mortality rates in Abia State, reducing to 136 from 1047 in 2020 and 531 in 2022, as reported by the Special Assistant to the President on SDGs. He pledged ongoing efforts to further reduce maternal mortality rates.

Governor Otti also addressed the issue of medical tourism, citing annual expenditures ranging from $1.6 billion to $2 billion. He outlined plans to establish a medical village aimed at curbing this trend.

Dr. Odochi Azubuike, CEO of the Abia State Hospital Management Board, affirmed that the newly commissioned facility is fully equipped to deliver healthcare services to mothers and children throughout the state.