AKS House Committee on Health Visits Ministry of Health, AKISEMSAS

Lawmakers commend reforms, emergency response capacity The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state as the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health paid an oversight visit to the Ministry of Health and the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS). Welcoming members of the Committee alongside the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Abraham Inyangudo, and Directors of the Ministry at the Ministry’s Conference Room, State Secretariat Complex, Uyo, Dr. John described the visit as timely and strategic. He noted that legislative oversight plays a critical role in improving service delivery, accountability, and policy implementation within the health sector.

The Honourable Commissioner highlighted key reforms and ongoing programmes of the Ministry aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare, improving emergency response, and enhancing health outcomes for citizens of the state. He further briefed the lawmakers on the operations of AKISEMSAS, stressing the importance of saving lives through prompt emergency response, efficient ambulance services, and well-trained medical personnel. Dr. John thanked the State Government for its sustained support to the health sector, particularly the clearance of arrears owed to medical consultants, and reaffirmed his commitment to creating a conducive working environment where civil servants can take pride in their duties, supported by modern facilities. He pledged continued collaboration with the legislature to address identified gaps in the health sector. Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, said the visit was part of the Committee’s statutory oversight functions to assess performance, understand challenges, and ensure effective utilization of resources.

Hon. Essien commended Governor Umo Eno for appointing Dr. Ekem John as Commissioner for Health, describing him as a capable professional effectively interpreting and implementing the ARISE Agenda in the health sector. Leading the delegation, the Chairman expressed admiration for the conducive environment, cleanliness, level of digitization, and solarization at the Ministry of Health. He also noted the presence of CCTV surveillance systems and a digital clock-in system, which he said compares favourably with uninterrupted power supply. He further commended the rebranding of the Ministry’s offices with modern facilities and lauded the judicious use of funds allocated to the Ministry, attributing the visible transformation to effective leadership and prudent financial management. While expressing optimism that budgetary allocation to the health sector would progress toward the 15 percent benchmark agreed upon by African Union Member States in the 2001 Abuja Declaration by 2027, Hon. Essien charged the Ministry to ensure full implementation of the Health Sector Action Plan across primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions, with clear timelines and measurable outcomes. He stressed that the Assembly’s oversight function goes beyond paperwork to ensuring practical execution of policies. He also applauded the Commissioner for consistently interpreting and implementing the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, noting that the impact of the state of emergency declared in the health sector would become more evident in the near future. Other members of the Committee expressed delight with the performance of AKISEMSAS, which reportedly saved 1,799 lives between March and December 2025.

They also lauded the strong collaboration between the State and Federal Ministries of Health in maintaining emergency response standards, in line with the State Government’s commitment to delivering healthcare services to households across the state. During the interactive session, stakeholders in the health sector, Dr Mary Udoh, Dr Mfon Inoch , appealed to the House Committee for advocacy toward the establishment of a dedicated eye hospital to address eye related health needs, a cancer centre, and a teaching hospital for Akwa Ibom State University. The high point of the visit was a guided tour of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Dakkada Secretariat, where the Chairman of AKISEMSAS, Dr. Etiemana Jacob, disclosed that Akwa Ibom State currently operates 31 fully equipped ambulances, comprising four Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulances, 25 Advanced Cardiac Support (ACS) ambulances, and 12 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, making the state’s emergency medical service one of the best in the country. He added that the service saved 1,799 lives within the period under review. Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, said the state, in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners, has made significant contributions to the management of public health emergencies.

Lawmakers in the delegation, Hon. Itoro Etim, Hon. Lawrence Udoide JP, and Hon. Engr. Uduak Ekpo Ufot, commended Governor Umo Eno for his health-focused vision and called for sustained maintenance of the facilities. Other members of the delegation included Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, Hon. Mrs. Kenim Onofiok, the Committee Clerk, Mrs. Anietie Peters, and Parliamentary Counsel, Cornelia Udoinyang, Esq.

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