His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, the visionary and people-centered Governor of Abia State, has added another significant milestone to his administration’s progressive health agenda.
On April 29, 2025, the Governor approved the following transformative measures, effective May 1, 2025:
1. Implementation of a New Salary Structure
Introduction of the Abia State Health Workers Salary Scale (ASHWOSS), aligning with federal salary structures – CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for Doctors) and CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Structure for other health professionals including Nurses, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Radiographers, Optometrists, etc.).
2. Parity with Federal Counterparts
With ASHWOSS, Abia State health workers will now earn salaries equivalent to their Federal Government counterparts, significantly boosting morale and retention.
3. Recruitment of 771 Health Professionals
Approval has been granted for the recruitment of 771 new healthcare workers including Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Physiotherapists, Radiographers, and other essential categories. This decision follows a comprehensive needs assessment across health facilities and agencies under the Ministry of Health.
4. Release of Funds for New Staff
His Excellency has authorized the immediate release of funds to cover the emoluments of the newly recruited staff.
5. Special Incentives for Highly Skilled Specialists
To attract and retain top-tier medical talent, the Governor has directed the Ministry of Health to negotiate special emolument packages for Consultants and Specialists in rare but critical fields such as:
Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Anesthesia and Intensive Care
Transplant and Robotic Surgery
Cardiac and Neurosurgery
Neonatology
Interventional Radiology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Nephrology
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Orthopedics
Plastic Surgery.
These initiatives reaffirm Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming Abia’s healthcare system into a center of excellence, ensuring both access and quality for all residents.
