Church Donates MRI Machine as Abia Health Insurance Scheme Records 157,462 New Enrollees

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner to the Abia State Government to support ongoing healthcare reforms under Governor Alex Otti.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia after the State Executive Council meeting.

Kanu said the donation reflects recognition of the significant improvements in the state’s health sector. He noted that the MRI machine would enhance diagnostic services and complement existing modern medical facilities. The equipment will be installed at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba.

He also revealed that the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme (ABSHIS) has recorded 157,462 new enrollees as of last Friday, in line with the government’s goal of expanding access to affordable healthcare.

In addition, the state government has approved the recruitment of 50 more nurses, bringing the total number employed under the current exercise to 550. This follows an earlier approval to recruit 771 medical personnel across various categories.

Kanu further disclosed that the Abia State College of Nursing Sciences recently received a boost during its National Diploma accreditation process, with the National Board for Technical Education commending the institution’s upgraded facilities.

He added that the state is collaborating with MedShare USA to train technicians in the maintenance and repair of hospital equipment, ensuring sustainability in healthcare delivery.

On public health, Kanu stated that there are currently no confirmed cases of major diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera, Mpox, diphtheria, yellow fever, or rabies in the state.

He also announced that Abia will mark the 2026 International Women’s Day on March 31 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, with the theme “Give to Gain.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, announced a planned collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to conduct a free medical outreach from April 12 to 17.

According to him, general surgeries and consultations will take place at Aba General Hospital, while eye care services will be handled at the Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia.

Prof. Uche highlighted the impact of ongoing health sector reforms, citing a recent case where a woman with a life-threatening pregnancy condition successfully delivered twins at a newly upgraded primary healthcare centre in Ohiya, attributing the success to improved facilities and equipment.