In a significant step to boost healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has unveiled a state-of-the-art Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production Plant (AKSMOPP), Ituk Mbang; Model Primary Health Centre (Base), Wellington Bassey Way, and the Akwa lbom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS), aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system and improve emergency response capabilities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accessible, high-quality medical services for residents in line with the tenets of the ARISE Agenda.
According to Governor Eno, “the formal unveiling of this facility, one of such we are doing across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State validates our campaign promise to bring quality healthcare to our people.
“We are not only building the infrastructures, we are also providing insurance for our people and all these are geared towards ensuring medical tourism.
“Today, we are showing the Minister what we mean by Model Primary Health Centers and I hope that Local Government Chairmen who are now autonomous can also replicate this”.
At the revamped Akwa lbom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS) located at the State Secretariat Annex, Governor Eno said, “I would like to thank the Coordinating Minister of Health for being patient with us.
“Since he arrived, he has been commissioning projects and this clearly shows why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a lot of confidence in him.”
“Just like the Commissioner for Health had highlighted in his overview, this project is one of key projects in the Arise Agenda because in other climes, we have seen people get real-time help and we desired that to be replicated in Akwa Ibom because in healthcare delivery, time is very important.
“I must thank the Honourable Commissioner for the hardwork in making the project possible and now we have 28 ambulances, a call center and two other ambulances donated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
“I warn those working here not to divert anything meant for this facility and henceforth, no ambulance from state should be used for burials.
“In addition to that, we will ensure that ambulances used by private health care facilities in Akwa Ibom state are also registered with the ministry of health.
“We are committed to improving the quality of lives of our people and I thank the people of Akwa Ibom state for the support and solidarity. So long as God keeps us here, we will continue to serve with the whole of our might and ensure that we make our state a pride in the comity of states in Nigeria”, Gov Eno added.
Inaugurating the projects, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, praised Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the health needs of Akwa Ibom people,urging other states to emulate what he described as strategic investments made in the healthcare sector.
Prof. Ali-Pate said, “it gives me great pleasure to be in Akwa Ibom to see the great work done by the administration of Pastor Umo Eno.
“Healthcare is critical because when you are not healthy, no sector can thrive and the Governor has taken health as of the core vision of the Arise Agenda.
“President Tinubu is keen to transform the healthcare sector and his interested in Local Government Areas and States collaborating and today we have seen what states can do to improve health care and the component of this project has every facet of healthcare service delivery”.
“Like the Governor mentioned that yesterday was one of the best days since he became Governor. I want to mention that today has been my best since I assumed office under this administration. I am glad to see a government that is for the people, working with the people in a unified manner to address urgent needs.
“These are strategic investments that touch directly the lives of the people and the Honourable Commissioner for Health has surpassed my expectations and I am sure that the quality of the lives of Akwa people will be much better.
“We have seen fantastic alignment and I urge you to encourage your colleague Governor’s to emulate what is happening in Akwa Ibom State”.
Providing an overview of the projects, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John said the projects are geared towards ensuring that Nigerians access quality healthcare.
“This Primary Health Centre is a model for primary health service delivery and I am sure that by the time we take a tour of the facilities, you will agree with me that this is the best you can find in the country.
“Outside this facility, you will find a clean access road and because Akwa Ibom is futuristic, we have made a provision for an ICT Centre and his excellency has directed and approved for an electronic medical records.”
Speaking at the emergency operations center, Dr. Ekem said “emergency preparedness and readiness have been revamped with the launch of the Akwa lbom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS) and I want to tell the Coordinating minister that all the 28 ambulances are tracked from the call Centre, so it means none of the drivers can leave this facility without approval.
“So we have provided toll free lines and specially, there are three ambulance dedicated for intensive care unit”.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, thanked Governor Umo Eno for making Uyo a project haven, expressing optimism that the new projects will reduce the pressure on secondary healthcare facilities and better the overall lives of Akwa Ibom people. He further assured that Uyo people are not tired of welcoming visitors to the inauguration of people-centered projects in all facets of the Arise Agenda.
Goodwill messages were received from the Honourable Minister of State (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe who described “Governor Umo Eno as the best Governor for Akwa Ibom state at this point in time” while the Coordinator of NEMSAS, Dr. Saidu who lauded the projects “as the beginning of changing the narrative in mitigating maternal health mortality in Akwa Ibom State”.
