AKWA IBOM HEALTH COMMISSIONER HIGHLIGHTS IMPACT OF NEW HEALTH LAWS, OTHER SECTORAL ACHIEVEMENTS

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has highlighted the impact of recent health sector reforms and interventions of the Governor Umo Eno led administration, including two newly enacted health related laws aimed at strengthening emergency medical services and hospital administration in the state.

Dr. John disclosed this during a media press briefing held at the Government House Press Centre, Uyo, where he outlined key achievements recorded in the health sector and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for residents. The Commissioner explained that one of the newly enacted laws provides a stronger legal and institutional framework for emergency medical services and ambulance operations in the state through the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System Agency (AKISEMSAS). According to him, the institutionalisation of the ambulance system will ensure that ambulances are used strictly for emergency response and other approved medical purposes.

He noted that the law criminalises the use of ambulances to convey corpses, stressing that ambulances are emergency response vehicles designed to save lives and should not be diverted for purposes outside their mandate. Dr. John also highlighted the amendment to the Hospitals Management Board Law, which he said would strengthen the administration and management of secondary healthcare facilities across the state.

He explained that the reforms form part of the broader efforts of the state government to reposition the health sector, improve accountability and ensure efficient delivery of healthcare services. The Commissioner further disclosed that the state government had established a Health Ombudsman mechanism to provide members of the public with an avenue to lodge complaints and seek redress on issues relating to healthcare services.

He said about 300 calls had been received since the creation of the Health Ombudsman, describing the development as an indication of growing public awareness and the government's commitment to making the health system more responsive to the concerns of citizens. Dr. John also disclosed that the state government had approved a 40 per cent increase in allowances for health workers, noting that the measure was aimed at improving the welfare and motivation of healthcare personnel.

He added that Primary Healthcare Centre workers, including nurses, had been trained to strengthen their capacity and improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots. The Commissioner said Governor Umo Eno had continued to prioritise the health and wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people, with a deliberate drive to ensure that every Local Government Area has at least one functional Primary Healthcare Centre. He disclosed that 29 Primary Healthcare Centres had so far been renovated, while additional renovated facilities are awaiting commissioning. According to him, the interventions are designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to the people, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities. On health insurance, Dr. John said the establishment and strengthening of the state health insurance scheme had recorded significant progress, with the agency now having more than 600,000 enrollees.

He described the achievement as a major milestone in the administration's efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare and reduce financial barriers to accessing medical services. The Commissioner also disclosed that the renovation, upgrading and equipping of secondary healthcare facilities across the state had resulted in an estimated 60 per cent increase in hospital utilisation.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (AKSPHCDA), Dr Eno Attah expressed deep gratitude to the partners for their active contributions and interventions that continue to improve primary healthcare delivery in the state.

He cited the renovation of the General Hospital, Ukanafun, and the upgrading of theatre rooms at Emmanuel Hospital, Eket, as examples of the administration's efforts to improve the capacity and quality of secondary healthcare services. Dr. John further disclosed that the state government had procured two CT scan machines and an MRI machine equipped with helium gas at Ibom Specialist hospital to improve access to advanced diagnostic services in the state.

He said the investment would strengthen the diagnostic capacity of health facilities and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state to access specialised medical investigations. The Commissioner reiterated that the various interventions demonstrated Governor Umo Eno's commitment to building a health system that is accessible, responsive and capable of meeting the healthcare needs of Akwa Ibom people. Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umana, announced that Governor Umo Eno had declared September 2026 a Month of Gratitude as Akwa Ibom State prepares to mark its 39th anniversary. Rt. Hon. Umana made this known during the same media briefing at the Government House Press Centre, Uyo, noting that the anniversary would provide an opportunity for the people of the state to appreciate God for the journey of Akwa Ibom State and reflect on the progress recorded over the years. He disclosed that 39 projects would be commissioned across the state as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary. The Commissioner said the projects cut across various sectors and represent part of the administration's efforts to accelerate development and improve the quality of life of citizens. He noted that Governor Umo Eno was rapidly developing the state through the various projects being executed across Akwa Ibom, adding that the projects demonstrate the administration's commitment to transforming the state and delivering infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of the people. He urged Akwa Ibom people to join in the anniversary activities and use the period to appreciate the progress made while looking forward to greater development and prosperity for the state. Info and PR Unit

Information and Public Relations Unit

Ministry of Health