Akwa Ibom unveils 350-bed hospital facility to boost medical tourism

The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled a breathtaking hospital city project designed to transform healthcare delivery and boost medical tourism in Nigeria and beyond.

According to Governor Umo Eno, who spoke during the ceremony, the project is one of the most audacious investments undertaken by his administration.

Governor Eno said the vision was conceived not only for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people but also for Nigerians and Africans seeking access to quality healthcare services.

The governor disclosed that the project occupies approximately 100 hectares of land, with various sections designated for different medical specialities and healthcare-related services.

Designed to drastically reduce medical tourism, he said it would provide technologically advanced, patient-centred healthcare services comparable to global standards.

“This project is not just a construction project; it is an investment in the future health and prosperity of our people,” the governor said.

He added that the hospital project, which is located in a medical city, would be financially self-sustaining in the long term while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

Governor Eno also revealed that the State had, however, employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery across Akwa Ibom.

He urged residents to take advantage of the State’s health insurance programmes, emphasising that universal health coverage remains critical to achieving sustainable healthcare outcomes.

Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, congratulated Governor Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom State for their vision and commitment to healthcare transformation.

He praised the Governor’s passion for improving the well-being of citizens and described the Medical City as a practical demonstration of the healthcare reforms being championed by President Tinubu.

“You have shown remarkable vision, commitment and passion for your people. What we are witnessing here reflects the aspirations of the Federal Government’s healthcare reform agenda,” the Minister said.

Pate assured the State Government of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the successful completion and operation of the project.

He also pledged to facilitate engagement with Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora who may be willing to contribute their expertise toward the development of the Medical City and the country’s healthcare sector.

The minister urged the State Government to consider making health insurance mandatory to ensure wider coverage and improved access to healthcare services for residents.

Providing an overview of the project, Emmanuel Ekem John, Commissioner for Health and Teinye Isokariari, Project Manager, described the facility as more than a hospital, calling it “a journey” toward healthcare excellence.

According to Isokariari, the Medical City will comprise a 10-storey complex housing 62 medical specialities and equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of delivering world-class healthcare services.

He disclosed that 100 Akwa Ibom indigenes would be sent abroad for specialised training six months before the completion of the facility to enable them to operate the sophisticated equipment to be installed in the centre.

Isokarari further revealed that the structure is supported by 356 foundation piles to ensure maximum stability and durability, assuring stakeholders that the project would meet global standards.

“We are committed to ensuring that this dream becomes a reality”, he stated.

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Cancer Society expressed delight over the project, describing it as a bold initiative that would significantly improve cancer treatment and healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

He assured the State Government that cancer patients nationwide would benefit immensely from the facility upon completion.