Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has directed the merger of the ministries of Tertiary Health and Primary Health into a unified structure, which will be known as the Ministry of Health.

The approval was contained in a statement yesterday by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Cosmas Iwu.

Uzodimma also directed Dr Vivian Egu to continue as the Commissioner in charge of the unified ministry, ordering the hitherto Commissioner for Tertiary Health, Prof. Chukwuma Ubakah, to hand over to Egu.

The statement reads: “In line with the government’s reform agenda in the health sector, the Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved the merger of the Ministry of Tertiary Health and the Ministry of Primary Health into a single, unified structure.

“Consequently, the newly consolidated ministry shall be known and addressed as the Imo State Ministry of Health, with Dr Vivian Egu continuing as the Commissioner.”

The statement informed that the decision was a part of the state government’s broader effort to streamline operations and enhance service delivery in the healthcare sector.

“This reform is part of the government’s broader effort to streamline operations and enhance service delivery across all levels of healthcare in the state.

The governor has further directed that all staff and equipment previously under the former ministries be reverted to, and consolidated under the new Ministry of Health.

“To this end, the former Commissioner for Tertiary Health, Prof. Chukwuma Ubakah, is to ensure a seamless merger and formal handover to Dr Vivian Egu.

“The state government appreciates the contributions of Prof. Ubakah in steering the Ministry of Tertiary Health and counts on his continued cooperation to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

“All handover and merger formalities must be completed on or before the close of work on Monday, June 2, 2025.

“All those affected are expected to comply with this directive without delay,” it clarified.