The Abia State Government has announced the formal commencement of the Abia E-Health project, a strategic initiative designed to transition the state’s medical record-keeping from analogue systems to digital formats.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this development on Tuesday during a press briefing in Umuahia. Speaking on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, Kanu explained that the project is part of a broader vision to integrate telehealth services and expand digital health offerings across the state.
According to the Commissioner, the E-Health project is a key component of the administration’s goal to establish a digital ecosystem intended to streamline service delivery in all sectors of governance. He further noted that the state is prepared to launch its Emergency Medical Treatment gateway and the state’s Emergency Medical Treatment and Ambulance Services in the near future.
“The orientation and onboarding of the newly employed health workers in the state has been held to provide adequate guidance on their roles and the governance structure of the agencies that are supposed to work in the state,” Kanu said.
The Commissioner also highlighted recent public health milestones, including the launch of a measles-rubella vaccination campaign led by the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. He emphasised the importance of the exercise in ensuring that children across the state receive essential vaccinations. Additionally, he noted that no significant public health outbreaks were reported during the recent period.
Beyond healthcare, the briefing touched on economic development. Kanu reported that a one-stop shop at the Aba Export Lab, situated at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, is nearing completion and is expected to open by late February. The facility is designed to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by simplifying business registration and NAFDAC approvals.
Plans are also underway to establish an SME village and an innovation hub in Aba, which will serve as a dedicated center for computer accessory dealers, mobile phone vendors, and technicians.
Finally, the Commissioner relayed a message from Governor Otti regarding the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration exercise. The Governor urged residents to participate actively to ensure they are eligible to vote in future elections.
“The Governor urged Abia residents to ensure they register to obtain their voter’s cards so that the state can take its rightful place amongst the committee of states in the country,” Kanu stated.
