Health Minister Inaugurates New Facilities, Applauds Umo Eno’s Healthcare Investments
In a significant boost to 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 Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS), aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system and improving 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 infrastructure, but 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 Centres, and I hope that Local Government Chairmen, who are now autonomous, can also replicate this.”
At the revamped Akwa Ibom 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 as the Commissioner for Health highlighted in his overview, this project is one of the 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. In healthcare delivery, time is very important."
“I must thank the Honourable Commissioner for the hard work in making this project possible. Now, we have 28 ambulances, a call center, and two additional ambulances donated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital."
“I warn those working here not to divert anything meant for this facility. Henceforth, no ambulance from the state should be used for burials."
“In addition, we will ensure that ambulances used by private healthcare facilities in Akwa Ibom State are also registered with the Ministry of Health."
“We are committed to improving the quality of life for our people, and I thank the people of Akwa Ibom State for their support and solidarity. So long as God keeps us here, we will continue to serve with all our might and ensure that we make our state a pride in the comity of states in Nigeria,” Governor Eno added.
Inaugurating the projects, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, praised Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing the health needs of Akwa Ibom people, urging other states to emulate what he described as strategic investments 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 a core vision of the Arise Agenda."
“President Tinubu is keen to transform the healthcare sector and is interested in Local Government Areas and states collaborating. Today, we have seen what states can do to improve healthcare, and this project encompasses every facet of healthcare service delivery."
“As 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 directly impact the lives of the people, and the Honourable Commissioner for Health has surpassed my expectations. I am sure that the quality of life for Akwa Ibom people will be much better."
“We have seen fantastic alignment, and I urge you to encourage your colleague Governors 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. His Excellency has directed and approved the implementation of an electronic medical records system.”
Speaking at the emergency operations center, Dr. Ekem said, “Emergency preparedness and readiness have been revamped with the launch of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS), and I want to tell the Coordinating Minister that all 28 ambulances are tracked from the call center, so it means none of the drivers can leave this facility without approval."
“We have provided toll-free lines, and specifically, there are three ambulances dedicated to the 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 improve the overall lives of Akwa Ibom people. He further assured that Uyo residents are not tired of welcoming visitors to the inauguration of people-centered projects across 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, lauded the projects as “the beginning of changing the narrative in mitigating maternal health mortality in Akwa Ibom State."
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