Otti Directs Harmonization of 2023, 2025 CONMESS for Immediate Implementation at ABSUTH

_Governor pledges continued investment in health, says 15% of annual budget goes to sector_

UMUAHIA, Abia State – Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed the harmonization of the 2023 and 2025 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, for immediate implementation at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH.

Otti gave the directive on Thursday, August 20, 2026, when he received a progress report from the Board and Management of ABSUTH, led by the Board Chairman, Dr. Ezinne Kalu.

The Governor reiterated that the huge investment his administration is making in the health sector is aimed at providing affordable and quality healthcare to Abians.

He, however, emphasised that the welfare and working conditions of healthcare professionals must also be given adequate attention.

The Governor restated his administration’s commitment to repositioning ABSUTH as a world-class tertiary healthcare institution.

Responding to requests on manpower, staff welfare and power supply, Governor Otti expressed surprise that the approval he gave for the implementation of the 2023 Federal Government CONMESS was not fully implemented before the 2025 review.

“When the request came, my understanding is that it was going to be better than the Federal. Before I approved it, I asked a question about total cost of employment… So, when I looked at it, I found that we could accommodate it, I approved it. Going back to what you have is strange,” he stated.

He directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, and the Chief Medical Director of ABSUTH, Prof. Nneka Okoronkwo, to work together to harmonize the 2023 and 2025 CONMESS structures and return to government with recommendations.

On manpower, Governor Otti advised a gradual approach, prioritising core medical and critical professionals, while exploring redeployment from within the system. He disclosed that he had approved the recruitment of 861 health workers for other levels of healthcare, with 670 already recruited in the last six months.

He stressed the need for a competitive welfare package to prevent brain drain.

On power, the Governor said the availability of Geometric Power should make stable electricity supply manageable. He directed the Commissioner for Power to work out a sustainable electricity arrangement for ABSUTH.

He also disclosed that Niger Delta Power Holding Company has indicated willingness to work with Geometric Power to provide an alternative gas supply solution.

Presenting the report titled _“Stabilizing Today: Building the Teaching Hospital Abia Deserves”_, the Board Chairman, Dr. Ezinne Kalu, said government has rebuilt public confidence in ABSUTH, and the institution has moved from “institutional rescue” to “operational consolidation.”

The CMD, Prof. Nneka Okoronkwo, thanked the Governor for interventions including payment of salaries for interns, payment of arrears owed to 3 staff, approval for MDCAN shortfall, and approval for staff promotions.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Board Chairman and Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Chuks Kamanu, disclosed that for the first time in 16 years, ABSUTH has run for three years without a strike, with 100 percent bed occupancy. He added that each doctor sees an average of 100 patients per week.

Governor Otti commended the Board for a detailed, data-driven report and assured of continued support to ensure Abians have access to quality, affordable, and world-class tertiary healthcare.