COMMUNIQUE/PRESS STATEMENT DR. AKABUIKE COMMENDS GOVERNOR SOLUDO ON CONHESS IMPLEMENTATION, APPEALS FOR FULL ROLLOUT TO ALL HEALTH WORKERS Amaku, Awka – October 3, 2025 The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Hon. Dr. Joe Akabuike, has officially commended the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for his recent approval of the 100% implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHES) 2024 for certain cadres of health workers in the state. The commendation was delivered at the hospital’s assembly ground on Friday, October 3, 2025, following the suspension of a recent industrial action by a segment of the workforce. Dr. Akabuike praised Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership and his demonstrable commitment to establishing a quality and sustainable healthcare system in Anambra State, noting that the consistent infrastructural development across health facilities, including COOUTH, is a clear reflection of his genuine concern for both health workers and citizens. Addressing the Industrial Action and Staff Morale: Dr. Akabuike expressed regret that the recent industrial action may have been avoided if the concerns of the affected workers had been presented to the Governor in a more constructive and timely manner. He subsequently charged the entire staff to return fully to their duties with renewed zeal and dedication, assuring them that the Soludo administration remains highly sensitive to their welfare needs. Appeal for Full Implementation: Addressing staff categories who are yet to benefit from the approved 100% CONHES adjustment, the CMD encouraged them to remain patient and steadfast. He expressed profound confidence that Governor Soludo, whom he described as a fair and empathetic leader, would soon extend the gesture to all remaining affected categories. Dr. Akabuike emphasized the foundational principle that every member of the healthcare system, from doctors to cleaners, plays an indispensable role in ensuring quality service delivery. Reiteration of Commitment: Reaffirming his unalloyed loyalty and alignment with the Governor’s robust reform agenda, Dr. Akabuike reiterated his unwavering support for the vision of a livable and prosperous homeland. He strongly appealed to the State Government to expedite the completion of the approval process for the remaining health workers to maximize morale and productivity across all state health institutions. He concluded by assuring the Governor of COOUTH's sustained dedication to excellence, discipline, and professionalism in advancing the state’s critical healthcare goals. Public Relations Office Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka.