Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off the construction of the Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Umunnato, Alayi, located in the Bende Local Government Area of the state.
The project, which is part of activities marking the governor’s third anniversary in office, aims to transform the long-abandoned Umunnato General Hospital into a modern tertiary healthcare facility serving residents of Abia North Senatorial District.
The planned hospital will feature a 100-bed capacity, surgical theatres, accident and emergency units, outpatient departments, maternity wards, dental facilities, and radiology services.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Otti said his administration chose to demolish the old hospital and construct a new one rather than renovate the deteriorating facility. According to him, rebuilding the hospital from scratch would ensure the delivery of a healthcare centre that meets modern standards.
The governor directed the contractor handling the project to adhere strictly to the approved specifications and complete the work within one year. He also inaugurated a four-member supervisory committee to monitor the project and ensure timely delivery.
Members of the committee include the lawmaker representing Bende North State Constituency, Nnamdi Ibekwe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma; House of Representatives aspirant for Bende Federal Constituency, Chima Anyaso; and the Deputy Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Ifeoma Agu.
Otti expressed confidence that the facility would be completed and ready for commissioning. This happens during activities marking the fourth anniversary of his administration next year.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the specialist hospital was part of the government’s plan. The goal is to provide at least one tertiary healthcare institution in each of the state’s three senatorial zones.
He explained that the facility would serve as the major referral centre for specialised medical care in Abia North. This brings advanced healthcare services closer to local residents.
The commissioner recalled that the hospital was originally established in 1962. The hospital once served communities across Abia North before being abandoned for several decades.
He added that the Abia State University Teaching Hospital serves Abia South. Then, the Amachara Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre serves Abia Central. The new Umunnato Specialist Hospital would fill the healthcare gap in Abia North.
Uche further disclosed that consultants working towards obtaining Joint Commission International certification for the hospital had already begun work. This aligns with the governor’s vision of building a facility that meets international healthcare standards.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Otti commissioned two primary healthcare centres in Igbere. The healthcare, including the Umuisi Primary Healthcare Centre and the Okafia Primary Healthcare Centre.
The event was attended by several dignitaries. They included Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, Darlington Nwokocha, members of the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, and other stakeholders.
