By Imaobong Koffi-Bassey
The Akwa Ibom State Government says it has transformed healthcare delivery in the past three years through massive investment in facilities, emergency services, and personnel welfare.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, disclosed this on Thursday during the August edition of the Monthly Government House Press Briefing in Uyo.
According to the health commissioner, the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration has renovated 29 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state and completed 🕑 secondary health facilities at the Airport Medical Centre and in Ukanafun local government area.
He added that the state has established the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS), for 24-hour free ambulance services.
Medical oxygen plants have also been installed at Eket and Abak General Hospitals, while free medical treatment is now available for all pregnant women and citizens aged 60 and above.
In a major boost for health workers, Dr John said resident doctors are now receiving ₦1,000,000 annually as medical residency training fund, while welfare package for health workers has also been reviewed upward from 30% to 40%.
Dr. John noted that Akwa Ibom has become the first state in Nigeria to complete and implement its Annual Operational Plan for health.
He, however, warned that under the AKISEMSAS Law, any ambulance found conveying a corpse will be intercepted and impounded.
According to him, obstructing an ambulance would constitute an offence that attracts a ₦250,000 fine for first time offenders and one-month imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, announced that September, the state’s anniversary month, has been declared “Month of Gratitude” by Governor Umo Eno.
