Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, is targeting the Joint Commission International (JCI) certification for Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Amachara Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, and Umunnato Specialist Hospital, Bende, all undergoing comprehensive reconstruction as they are being upgraded into modern referral centres for the three senatorial zones of the State.

JCI certification, widely regarded as the global gold standard for Healthcare quality, patient safety, and operational excellence, is currently held by only two hospitals in Nigeria –IWOSAN Lagoon Hospitals and EHA Clinics.

Governor Otti, OFR, reaffirmed the target and intentions of his government towards getting the JCI certification on Monday, April 27th, 2026, while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JNCI, Mrs Clare Omatseye, FWACS, FPSN, FNAPharm, VP African Healthcare Federation (AHF), and her team, who came to brief the Governor on the progress made so far in the redesign, reconstruction, and equipping of the hospitals.

Recall that before Governor Otti assumed office, Abia State University Teaching Hospital lost accreditation, which his administration quickly restored in the first phase of intervention in ABSUTH after surpassing the requirements of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The second phase of the intervention is the ongoing redesign, remodeling, and construction of new, magnificent structures that meet global Healthcare standards.

Also, the ongoing reconstruction and upgrading of Amachara Specialist and Umunnato Specialist Hospitals are all the brainchild of Governor Otti’s administration.

Governor Otti said that he is happy with the progress made so far in the ongoing works in the Healthcare facilities. He disclosed that he is also rejigging the management and leadership of ABSUTH and is ready to sign every needed document to speed up the works as the State plans to receive the MRI Machine donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

“I am happy that we have made a lot of progress. While we are doing these, we are also rejigging the management and leadership of ABSUTH, Aba. Everything is going on simultaneously,” Gov. Otti stated.

The State Chief Executive emphasised that strategic decisions, including the centralisation of advanced radiography services, were carefully taken to maximise impact and efficiency, and assured that his administration would provide all necessary approvals and support to accelerate project timelines.

“The decision to centralise radiography, particularly at the highest level, was not taken lightly. We concluded that, it would be more useful at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital.

“All the documents that are required to be signed, please let’s have them, and we will sign and return them within the week. We will also put more pressure on the contractor, even if he has to work 24 hours, because I do not like the sound of delay.” Gov. Otti stated.

Highlighting the importance of Amachara and Umunnato Hospitals within the broader Healthcare strategy, Governor Otti noted that they are being developed as key tertiary Healthcare institutions to complement ABSUTH.

The Governor stressed that beyond infrastructure, the administration is driven by a strong commitment to result delivery.

“What we are doing in Aba, we want to replicate in Amachara as another specialist tertiary Hospital. It’s either we are doing it right, or we are not doing it at all.

“A lot of times, people know what to do, but they don’t have the will to do it. Here, we know what to do, and we have the will, and we will not stop until we achieve it,” Governor Otti added.

Earlier in her presentation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JNCI International Limited, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, provided a comprehensive update on the Healthcare transformation initiatives across the tertiary healthcare institutions in the State.

She commended the Governor for prioritising Healthcare through the sustained 15 percent budgetary allocation to healthcare and systemic reforms, noting that Abia has made remarkable progress across primary, secondary, and tertiary Healthcare levels. She highlighted key achievements, including increased healthcare funding, recruitment of medical personnel, expansion of Health insurance coverage, and revitalisation of over 200 primary healthcare centres.

Mrs. Omatseye also announced a significant milestone; the donation of a $1 million, 1.5 Tesla MRI machine by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, describing it as a testament to the Governor’s leadership and credibility.

She confirmed that the advanced diagnostic equipment would be installed at ABSUTH, following the Governor’s directive, to ensure optimal utilisation.

Mrs Omatseye outlined ongoing work in the ABSUTH redevelopment project, including upgraded architectural designs which she said align with global standards, modern medical equipment planning, and infrastructure enhancements required for JCI accreditation. She stressed the need for timely approvals, completion of key construction components, and integration of sustainable power solutions to support advanced medical equipment.

Mrs. Omatseye further emphasized that the State is on a strong trajectory towards achieving internationally recognized healthcare standards, noting that the reforms are not only transforming infrastructure but also improving access, affordability, and quality of care for residents.

The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, and other aides of the Governor in the medical establishments were present at the meeting.