A’Ibom Legislators To Launch An Initiative To Revitalise State Hospitals

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is planning a comprehensive tour of state hospitals and health institutions to transform the state’s healthcare landscape.

This initiative is intended to address the public’s growing concerns about negligence and inadequate facilities.

Hon Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, revealed this during a discussion with Correspondents in Uyo on Wednesday, saying the committee’s commitment represents a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in the state.

In response to the state of public healthcare facilities, he stated: “Your concerns are consistent with our plans. We will make unannounced visits to these hospitals to observe conditions firsthand. Medical professionals should be present and attentive, rather than only responding to emergencies. Our oversight will ensure that these standards are met and that issues are addressed directly with Governor Umo Eno.”

Essien emphasised the Assembly’s active participation in addressing healthcare challenges. “We have already responded to concerns raised in the House. For example, at Okorette General Hospital, we summoned key health officials and ordered immediate corrective actions, which resulted in significant improvements.

He used the occasion to confirm that the newly formed Board for the Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Scheme, which was recently convened by Governor Umo Eno to reactivate a law that had been dormant since its passage in 2022, was the initiative of his committee.

According to Essien, the move will improve residents’ access to and affordability of healthcare, marking another milestone in the state’s healthcare reform efforts.

On the Ibom Specialty Hospital, which was built during the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker stated that the committee conducted an inspection and made necessary recommendations to the Governor, who he said had pledged to address such issues.

The member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency informed the executive of the area’s abundant and untapped natural resources, including oil wells, and the need to build access roads to attract investors.

Essien, who recently defected from the YPP to the PDP, stated that political parties are platforms for fulfilling the wishes and desires of one’s constituents.

Mr Bassey Anthony of Nation newspaper, Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel, responded by promising to collaborate with the legislature in projecting the state. He described his personal experience with public health facilities in the state and pleaded for immediate attention.