Abia launches E-Health Project, ends paper-based medical records

The Abia State Government has launched the Abia Electronic Health (E-Health) Project, marking a major shift from paper-based medical records to a technology-driven healthcare system aimed at improving service delivery across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the initiative on Wednesday during a press briefing in Umuahia, saying the project received approval from the State Executive Council.

According to Kanu, the E-Health initiative is a flagship component of the administration’s broader plan to build a digital governance ecosystem that enhances efficiency and quality service delivery in key sectors.

“The E-Health project is part of our pioneering effort to establish a digital system that will drive efficiency and quality service delivery in Abia State,” he said.

He explained that the initiative integrates telemedicine and other digital health solutions to expand access to quality healthcare, improve operational efficiency and ensure better management of patient data.

The project is being implemented through a partnership with E-Health and Life-Health Hubs.

Prince Kanu also disclosed that Abia State recently received commendation from the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services, led by Hon. Dr Amos Malaji, during an oversight visit to the state.

He said the committee assessed ongoing reforms in primary healthcare delivery and universal health coverage, rating Abia highly and praising Governor Alex Otti’s performance in the health sector.

The commissioner further announced the formal launch of the measles and rubella vaccination campaign, which was flagged off earlier on Tuesday by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti.

According to him, the campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years and will be implemented across primary healthcare centres, schools and other health facilities statewide.

He added that newly recruited health workers have undergone orientation and onboarding to familiarise them with institutional processes, noting that the state currently has no reported outbreak of diseases of public health importance.

Speaking on the initiative, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, described the E-Health project as a cornerstone of Governor Otti’s healthcare reform agenda.

He said the digital platform would help bridge manpower gaps, extend specialist care to rural and hard-to-reach communities, and ensure uniform healthcare standards across the state.

According to him, the system will eliminate inefficiencies associated with paper records, prevent loss of patient data, reduce delays during follow-up visits and guarantee secure access to patients’ medical histories.

“With this platform, I can monitor, in real time, activities in all primary healthcare centres, general hospitals and tertiary institutions across Abia State from my office,” Professor Uche said.