ABA, Nigeria — The Abia Government has declared the newly built Abia Multi-Specialist Hospital unfit for use, citing significant structural defects, inadequate ventilation, and antiquated, ill-fitted equipment.
The revelation comes as a shock just weeks after the hospital’s inauguration.
Abia Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, announced the grim assessment during a Wednesday, July 12, 2023, press briefing following her inspection of several hospitals in the region.
“The hospital is bad; the structure and the design approach were poorly done,” Okoronkwo lamented. “The equipment are scattered all over the place, and we cannot ascertain if they are still working or not because there is not power supply.”
The Abia Multi-Specialist Hospital was constructed under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as a replacement for the old Aba General Hospital, built in 1957.
The new facility was inaugurated by Ikpeazu on May 27, shortly before his exit from office.
Dr. Okoronkwo highlighted several significant issues with the new hospital, including leaking rooms, mouldy walls, a lack of ventilation, and complex navigation within the hospital’s premises.
“It is really a challenge. The idea of coming here is to look at the place to see if it is ready for use, but from my assessment, it will take a while,” Okoronkwo said.
Before determining the course of action, Dr. Okoronkwo intends to review the original contract details that led to the substandard work.
The government will then engage the contractors to determine whether their work aligns with the current administration’s standards.
She offered reassurance to the local community that the Aba General Hospital would remain in place, underscoring the importance of its services.
However, the Abayi Cottage Hospital in Osisioma Local Government Area, also evaluated during the inspection, fared no better.
The commissioner stated, “Not even animals should use the place as a hospital.”
This critical assessment comes as Governor Alex Otti has declared a state of emergency in the region’s health sector.
Three hospitals across three senatorial zones have been identified for revitalisation within his first 100 days in office.
With the new Aba General Hospital deemed unreliable, the Abayi Cottage Hospital is under consideration for improvement, offering some hope to the residents desperate for functional healthcare facilities.
