The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has called for a stronger alliance between the Abia State Government and federal tertiary hospitals across Nigeria to accelerate healthcare transformation, medical research, training and innovation.

Emetu made the call at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, while welcoming members of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria to their 115th meeting, hosted by the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

Representing the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Deputy Governor said the decision to host the meeting in Abia reflected growing confidence in the state’s transformation, particularly in the health sector.

“The Abia you are visiting today is a far cry from the Old Abia. We are intentionally reshaping that narrative. Abia is ready for business, healthcare partnerships, and collaboration,” he stated.

Emetu commended the CMDs and Medical Directors for their leadership and commitment to managing institutions that provide tertiary healthcare, train the next generation of healthcare professionals and advance medical research.

He noted that the Otti administration continues to prioritise healthcare as a critical component of its social infrastructure, with a commitment to allocating 15 per cent of the state’s annual budget to the sector.

According to him, the administration has focused on revitalising primary healthcare facilities through Project Ekwueme, recruiting healthcare professionals, upgrading specialist and tertiary healthcare institutions, and expanding the use of technology and innovation in healthcare delivery.

The Deputy Governor said the administration’s vision extends beyond improving existing facilities, stressing that the ultimate goal is to position Abia as a leading healthcare destination in Africa.

“Our goal isn’t just to improve on our past. We aspire to create a healthcare system that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in Africa,” he said.

Emetu subsequently called on the medical leaders to contribute their expertise, professional networks and institutional experience to the proposed Abia Medical City.

He described the initiative as a holistic healthcare ecosystem that would integrate tertiary and specialist healthcare, medical education, research, diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical technology and other related services.

“We truly believe that the combined expertise in this room can help turn that vision into reality,” he said.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, welcomed the delegation and commended the Otti administration for its efforts to transform the state’s health sector.

Meribole said the state had strengthened its healthcare workforce through recruitment at various levels, including consultants, while also improving remuneration and working conditions.

He highlighted the growing partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, describing the federal institution as a “sister institution” to the state.

The SSG encouraged the visiting medical directors to explore Abia, witness the ongoing transformation and share their experiences and observations with their respective institutions and states.

In his address, the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Chief Medical Director of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, said the committee chose Abia for the meeting to assess developments at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and strengthen its relationship with the state government.

Ahmed expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and the Abia State Government.

“We’ve noticed remarkable advancements in infrastructure, healthcare services, and various other areas, and we’re truly impressed by what we’ve witnessed in Abia,” he said.

The committee chairman commended the state government’s efforts in strengthening primary healthcare centres, improving general hospitals, recruiting healthcare professionals, expanding health insurance coverage and enhancing emergency medical services.

He also praised the extensive infrastructure development across the state, noting that the transformation witnessed on the way into Abia demonstrated how systematic planning and effective leadership could deliver significant progress within a relatively short period.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Kanayo Onyebuchi, thanked Governor Otti for supporting the hosting of the 115th meeting.

Onyebuchi disclosed that the Abia State Government is constructing a 20-room VIP ward at the Federal Medical Centre, describing the project as an important step towards the hospital’s growth.

He also acknowledged the state government’s support in restoring the hospital’s oxygen-generation capacity following challenges with its oxygen plants.

The CMD said the intervention further demonstrated the importance of the partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

The event was attended by the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche; Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Kalu U. Kalu; Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Adefunke Adegbite; and Director-General of Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Abubakar Isah.

They were joined by other directors, senior government officials and healthcare administrators.