Akwa Ibom Reaffirms Commitment To Ibom Specialist Hospital, Expands Healthcare Investments
Akwa Ibom Restates Commitment to Specialist Healthcare
THE Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, insisting that the Ibom Specialist Hospital remains a priority despite claims that the facility has been neglected.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, said the administration of Governor Umo Eno has continued to invest significantly in modernising healthcare infrastructure through equipment upgrades, improved facilities, specialised medical programmes and the expansion of the health workforce.
He described reports alleging government neglect of the hospital as inaccurate, maintaining that available evidence demonstrates sustained investment in the state’s flagship medical institution.
Hospital Receives Major Equipment Upgrades
The Commissioner highlighted several interventions undertaken at the hospital, including the recalibration of its Intensive Care Unit (ICU), maintenance of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine approved by Governor Umo Eno, and the replacement of the obsolete Computed Tomography (CT) scanner with a state-of-the-art 128-slice CT scanner, which became operational earlier this year.
According to him, the replacement became necessary after the previous scanner reached the end of its operational lifespan following the discontinuation of manufacturer support, making it difficult to maintain quality diagnostic services.
Ibom Medical City Vision Takes Shape
Dr. John clarified that the proposed Ibom Medical City extends beyond the planned Ibom International Hospital, describing it as a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.
He said the project will include an Advanced Diagnostic Centre equipped for specialised and molecular investigations, alongside hospitality facilities designed to accommodate patients’ relatives, in line with international healthcare standards.
According to the Commissioner, the long-term objective is to position Akwa Ibom as a regional medical hub capable of attracting patients from within Nigeria and across Africa, while reducing dependence on overseas medical treatment.
Kidney Transplant Programme Records Success
The Commissioner disclosed that the state’s kidney transplant programme has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading specialist healthcare initiatives, recording nearly 1,000 successful transplant procedures.
He noted that the programme now attracts patients from several African countries and Europe because of its affordability, quality of care and shorter waiting periods compared to similar facilities abroad.
Healthcare Workforce Expands
To improve healthcare delivery across the state, the government has recruited 2,854 healthcare professionals, with appointment letters currently being processed.
Dr. John also revealed that newly completed healthcare facilities are gradually becoming operational as medical personnel assume duty, adding that Chief Medical Directors are already being appointed to oversee the institutions.
Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine Near Completion
The Commissioner announced that contractors are expected to resume work on the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital within weeks, expressing optimism that the project would be completed before November.
He also said plans were progressing for the commencement of academic activities at the proposed College of Medicine before the end of the year, subject to the completion of outstanding regulatory requirements.
According to him, the administration’s sustained investments in hospitals, specialist services, health insurance, medical education and human resources underscore healthcare as a central pillar of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
