Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has approved the proposed site for the construction of a new General Hospital in Atan Abam Community, Arochukwu Local Government Area.
The initiative is aimed towards strengthening healthcare delivery across the State.
The development followed an official inspection of the proposed project site by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, alongside members of his team, in line with the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare services to underserved communities.
Professor Uche who inspected the site on behalf of the government in Atan Abam said the proposed General Hospital is being established on the directive of Governor Dr. Alex Otti as part of the administration’s vision to ensure the equitable distribution of quality healthcare infrastructure across every part of Abia State.
He described Abam as a large cluster of communities with a rapidly growing population that deserves a modern healthcare facility capable of delivering comprehensive secondary healthcare services.
“We are here on the directive of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, to inspect the proposed site for the Abam General Hospital.
“The Governor believes that every Abian, irrespective of location, deserves access to quality healthcare, and that is exactly what this project represents,“ Prof. Uche stated.
Prof. Uche explained that after a thorough technical assessment, the proposed location satisfied all the requirements for the establishment of a standard General Hospital, including accessibility, environmental suitability, climate resilience and adequate land size.
The Health Commissioner commended the Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency and Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, for his persistence in ensuring that an appropriate location was eventually secured after previously proposed sites failed to meet the required standards.
He also praised the people of Atan Abam for their uncommon commitment and unity in voluntarily donating more than the required land needed for the project.
“The Abam people deserve a modern General Hospital. After carefully assessing this location, we are satisfied that it meets the standards required for the construction of a world class healthcare facility.
“We appreciate the sacrifices and unity demonstrated by the community in making this land available,“ the Commissioner said.
He recalled that previous administrations had conceived similar plans to establish a General Hospital in Abam but failed to bring them to reality, expressing confidence that the Governor Alex Otti-led administration would finally deliver the long-awaited project.
The Commissioner disclosed that the architectural designs for the hospital had already been completed, while the procurement process was progressing steadily, adding that construction would commence immediately after the necessary approvals.
“This project will not end as another proposal on paper. The designs are ready, procurement is ongoing, and we will soon move to the construction phase.
“Under Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, we are determined to build a hospital that will serve not only Abam but neighbouring communities for generations to come,“ he added.
Professor Uche further noted that the state’s sustained investments in the health sector were already producing measurable improvements, particularly in maternal and child healthcare, through deliberate investments in healthcare infrastructure, modern equipment, skilled manpower and comprehensive health sector reforms.
Also speaking during the event, the Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, described the inspection and formal presentation of the land as a historic moment for the people of Abam.
He said the decision by Atan Abam Community to officially hand over the land reflected the people’s willingness to partner with the state government in bringing quality healthcare services closer to rural communities.
Hon. Okoro expressed profound appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for approving Atan Abam as the location for the much-anticipated General Hospital project.
“Today is a formal declaration by my community that we wholeheartedly welcome this project.
“We are prepared to provide every necessary support, including donating more than the required land, because this hospital will bring development, employment opportunities and quality healthcare to our people,“ Hon. Okoro said.
Speaking on behalf of the Atan Abam Community, the Chairman of the Community Union, Elder Kalu Ena Kalu, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people.
He disclosed that the community unanimously resolved to donate the land required for the project and pledged its unwavering support throughout the execution of the hospital.
“We are overwhelmed with joy. Governor Alex Otti is a leader who fulfils his promises and even exceeds expectations. Since he has decided to build this hospital, we have no doubt it will become a reality.
“On behalf of our community, we fully support this initiative and will continue to stand firmly behind the government in ensuring its success,“ he stated.
Elder Kalu further assured the state government of the community’s continued cooperation from the commencement of construction to the completion of the project, describing the proposed General Hospital as a life-changing intervention that would significantly improve healthcare delivery, stimulate socioeconomic development and serve generations of residents across the Abam area.
