Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has outlined plans to expand investment in the health sector through the introduction of telemedicine and digital healthcare solutions, as part of efforts to position the state as a preferred destination for investment.
Otti disclosed this while inaugurating the 2026 medical mission of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) at the Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.
He said recent strides in infrastructure, security and environmental management have created a conducive environment for investment across sectors, particularly healthcare, which he described as central to economic growth.
The governor announced plans to formalise collaboration with ANPA through a structured partnership that will integrate telemedicine services and digital health platforms into the state’s healthcare delivery system.
According to him, the initiative will leverage the global expertise of Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora to improve access to quality care and enhance service delivery.
Otti stressed that his administration views healthcare as a critical component of economic development, noting that a healthy population is essential for productivity and long-term prosperity.
“We see healthcare as a major driver of economic progress because it directly impacts the productivity of our people and influences investment decisions,” he said.
He maintained that ongoing investments in infrastructure must translate into tangible benefits for citizens, adding that governance in the state is focused on improving the overall wellbeing of residents.
The ANPA medical mission, organised in partnership with the Abia State Government, is designed to provide free healthcare services to residents while strengthening the capacity of local health workers through training and knowledge exchange.
The governor commended ANPA for its continued support, describing the organisation as a strategic partner in the state’s healthcare reform agenda.
He revealed that the state government has approved the recruitment of 851 healthcare professionals, with 629 already deployed across medical facilities to address workforce gaps and improve access to care.
Otti also directed the State Ministry of Health to commence discussions with ANPA on developing a long-term framework for collaboration that will cover remote consultations, advisory support and other areas of healthcare delivery.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing medical outreach would leave lasting benefits for residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, said reforms introduced by the current administration have led to increased utilisation of healthcare services across the state.
He noted that the outreach would provide free consultations, specialised surgeries and health education, while also strengthening institutional capacity through partnerships.
Also speaking, ANPA President, Cliff Eke, said the initiative reflects the commitment of Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to support healthcare development at home.
He explained that the mission includes a multidisciplinary team delivering services across various specialties, alongside training and mentorship for local healthcare providers.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Medical Mission Committee, Uloaku Ukaegbu, said previous editions of the outreach had treated over 15,000 patients and conducted more than 300 surgeries.
She added that the current exercise, which began at Abia Specialist Hospital and Aba General Hospital, is offering eye care, outpatient services and specialised surgical procedures, as well as a sexual and reproductive health programme for young people at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Quantus Medical Foundation, Nnenna Ihekorommadu, highlighted plans for the Abia Healthcare Rebirth Initiative, aimed at promoting professionalism, accountability and excellence in healthcare delivery.
She said the initiative would support ongoing reforms by enhancing the skills and values of healthcare workers across the state.
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