The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has commended Abia State for notable improvements in healthcare delivery.
Committee Chairman, Mr. Amos Magaji, made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Council.
Magaji said the committee was in Abia on an oversight visit to assess the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other health interventions. The visit is part of a nationwide assessment ahead of a proposed increase in BHCPF allocation from one to two per cent.
“Our assessment observed significant improvements in healthcare delivery and urban renewal. Abia is a standout health sector success,” Magaji said, noting that the state had exceeded the Abuja Declaration by allocating over 15 per cent of its budget to health and revitalizing primary and specialist hospitals.
He further highlighted a reduction in maternal mortality, 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 added.
Responding, Governor Otti said his administration prioritized giving every resident the highest chance of survival when accessing healthcare. He noted that the government is creating an enabling environment to attract and retain skilled health professionals, with doctors, including a neurosurgeon, returning from the United States and other countries to serve in Abia.
“The 15 per cent allocation to health reflects our belief that healthcare is essential social infrastructure, not a profit-driven venture,” the governor said.
Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Uche, stated that the lawmakers were verifying ongoing reforms and BHCPF utilization across the state. He noted that the administration consistently allocates over 15 per cent of its budget to health, funding ‘Project Ekwueme’ to renovate 200 primary healthcare centres.
Uche added that the state health insurance scheme currently has over 185,000 enrolls, with a target of 500,000 by year-end and one million by 2027.
Earlier, Assembly Health Committee Chairman, Mr. Emeka Obioma, said the statutory visit revealed performance that exceeded expectations.
