Abia Govt Says 17 Primary Healthcare Centres Ready For Use

The Abia State Government has announced the functionalisation of 17 out of the 50 completed Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state. These centres are already providing services to residents in their respective communities.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen after this week’s Executive Council meeting. He explained that another 33 completed PHCs are currently being equipped and will soon be functionalised, bringing the total to 50 before the end of October 2025.

According to Kanu, the staggered approach to commissioning the centres is due to challenges such as expanded project scope, weather conditions, and in some cases, lapses on the part of contractors. He noted that the project, which commenced in January 2025, is scheduled for completion by October 31, 2025.

He added that once this second phase is concluded, another batch of 50 PHCs will be completed and fully equipped for use, forming part of the third phase of the state’s healthcare expansion programme.

Kanu also revealed an increase in bed occupancy rates across state health facilities, which rose from 50 percent in August 2024 to 100 percent in March 2025, and have remained at full capacity since. He attributed the rise to improved public confidence in government hospitals following major investments in equipment and medical personnel.

Beyond healthcare, the Commissioner announced that the government had secured the approval of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to take over Star Papermill. The revitalisation of the moribund company, he said, aligns with the state’s policy of reviving non-functional industries to create jobs and increase internally generated revenue.

“The state’s stake in the company will be minimal but strategic, ensuring government oversight while attracting capable investors. Other companies lined up for revitalisation include Afrobeverages, Aba Textile Mills, International Equitable Association, and Cain Districts,” Kanu stated.

On sanitation, he disclosed that the Ministry of Environment has commenced house-to-house sanitary inspections across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State under the Keeping Abia State Clean initiative. The exercise, which began on August 1, 2025, is aimed at enforcing proper hygiene practices, with defaulters set to face prosecution in line with state environmental laws.

The State Executive Council has also approved the Abia State Health, Safety, and Environment Policy, endorsed by Governor Alex Otti. The policy is designed to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of civil servants and will soon be backed with an implementation framework.

Kanu reaffirmed that these combined efforts in healthcare, industrial revitalisation, and environmental sanitation are part of the state government’s broader strategy to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for Abians.