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The Akwa Ibom State government has continued in its drive towards the expansion of access to healthcare services, and this is gradually taking shape.
This is being pursued vigorously by the provision of infrastructure, bringing on board the health insurance scheme, as well as the renovation of existing healthcare facilities
With the Arise Agenda, the blueprint of the state’s government socioeconomic vision, healthcare, which is a key component of it all, has received more than fair attention as new healthcare facilities are being renovated and new ones inaugurated.
It all began with the remodelling of the operational base of the primary healthcare facility along Wellington Bassey Way in Uyo, the state capital, which saw the old facility being transformed into a model complete with solar panels for regular power supply.
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To demonstrate the importance of the new approach to healthcare services and the importance attached, the facility was inaugurated by no less a personality than the Minister of Health, who registered his presence and spoke glowingly about the commendable efforts of the state government as being championed by Governor Umo Eno.
Enter the proposed 8-storey international hospital, which is part of the Ibom Medical City corridor, intended to provide world-class services to boost medical tourism, in addition to the existing Ibom multi-speciality hospital, which rose to the occasion during the unfortunate incident of 2016 when the Reigners Bible Church collapsed during a worship service. It was at the Ibom multi-speciality hospital that many of the victims were treated.
Before now, the state government last year launched a health insurance scheme to further expand access to healthcare, providing thousands of residents with affordable healthcare services at both the primary and secondary healthcare levels.
Covering the former and informal sectors, it also takes care of the vulnerable group, where upon “registration, a contributor/employee and his/her dependents will be issued identity cards with personal identification numbers and in the event of illness, the contributor presents his/her identity card to his/her primary healthcare provider for treatment.”
Observers believe the health insurance scheme has further expanded access and eased the burden of secondary healthcare providers, as the primary healthcare provider has remained the first port of call for enrollees.
Enjoying the support of various partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, in support of various health programmes such as immunisation campaigns, Mpox eradication and the reduction in maternal and newborn mortality, the provision of improved healthcare services has continued to fare better,
To further boost the landmark stride towards strengthening healthcare delivery and safeguarding maternal and child health, a 100-Bed Renewed Hope Mother and Child Specialist Hospital has been inaugurated in Oko-Ita, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
Akon Eyakenyi, deputy governor who represented Governor Umo Eno, described the facility as a direct response to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
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The project, funded by the Federal Government through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, is the 45th of such facilities built across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Eno commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving healthcare services across Nigeria. She reiterated the administration’s position that no mother should lose her life while giving birth and expressed gratitude to the host community for their cooperation during the hospital’s construction.
He also acknowledged requests by stakeholders in the local government for the establishment of staff quarters and a general hospital, assuring that those needs would be addressed by the government.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to make healthcare accessible and sustainable across rural communities, and charged the people of the local government to take ownership of the facility and guard it against vandalism.
Earlier in her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, described the hospital as a beacon of Renewed Hope and a step towards ending maternal and neonatal deaths in Nigeria.
Adefulire, a former deputy governor of Lagos State, revealed that delivery services at the facility would be free, adding that the hospital would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She hailed Governor Eno for his leadership and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to partnering Akwa Ibom in achieving the SDGs.
“This project is not just a building; it is a life-saving intervention. The President appreciates the cooperation and support from Akwa Ibom and is committed to sustaining this partnership.”
SDGs Focal Person in the State, Ime Ekerette David, said the facility was an answered prayer for mothers in Ibiono Ibom and beyond. She lauded both the federal and state governments for their shared vision and dedication to quality healthcare delivery.
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Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel John, in his project overview, highlighted the facility as being in line with the state government’s ARISE Agenda. He noted that the hospital was equipped with modern medical tools capable of meeting the most demanding needs of maternal and child healthcare.
Commissioner for Economic Development and Budget Planning, Nsikan Nkan, expressed gratitude to both the Governor and the Presidency, stating that their partnership continues to birth life-impacting projects across Akwa Ibom. He reaffirmed the State’s commitment to efficient utilisation and maintenance of the facility.
Unarguably, health is wealth, but it requires determination and political will for the facilities to be made available, ensure the recruitment, retention of health workers and prompt payment of salary. It is on this score that the plan by the state government to employ 1000 health workers is seen as a major leap forward in the quest to expand access to quality healthcare services and ensure health for all, as envisaged many years ago.
