Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for local government health workers, a move aimed at improving welfare and service delivery in the state’s public health sector.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
Kanu described the approval as part of the administration’s ongoing civil service reforms, prioritizing workers’ welfare and motivation.
“This commendable move makes Abia State one of the few states in the country that pay the Federal Government’s CONHESS to local government health workers,” Kanu said.
The commissioner also highlighted progress in the state’s healthcare revitalization programme. More than 52 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) are currently being renovated and equipped, bringing the total number of functionalized PHCs to 102.
The remaining 98 PHCs are expected to be fully operational before the end of the year. In addition, 50 out of 79 World Bank Impact PHCs will also be completed by year-end, bringing the total number of fully equipped PHCs in the state to at least 250.
On secondary healthcare infrastructure, Kanu said construction is ongoing for three specialist hospitals, with upgrades aimed at meeting international standards.
He also announced the immediate activation of the solar power project at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Hospital in Ugwunagbo to ensure uninterrupted power supply for patients and staff.
The commissioner further revealed that the state government has reopened its health worker recruitment portal, with vacancies available for ophthalmologists, medical officers, dental officers, and both full-time and part-time consultants. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official Abia State website.
Kanu expressed optimism that these initiatives, along with planned medical outreach programmes in partnership with international organizations, would improve healthcare access and quality for Abians across the state.
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