How improved healthcare infrastructure aided access to medicare in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom has witnessed a remarkable improvement in healthcare facilities and new programmes that are driving improved access to medicare in the state.

With decision of the state government to construct and equip modern primary healthcare facilities in each of the 31 local government areas of the state, access to healthcare has never been made easier until recently.

Already, many local government councils in the state have taken delivery of the modern Primary Healthcare Centres built and equipped by the state.

In Uyo for instance, a new PHC has since commenced operations less than two years after Governor Umo Eno assumed.

Being in Uyo, the state capital, hundreds of patients troop to the centre daily for healthcare services because it is a new facility, well-equipped and is located within the city centre.

Again, with the introduction of the health insurance scheme, which allows people to access healthcare after registration covers the entire family with the payment of a certain amount of money, many primary healthcare centre have recorded a significant increase in the number of patients on a daily basis.

Similarly, as part of efforts to further strengthen healthcare services, the agency has commenced the accreditation process for 240 Primary Healthcare facilities across the state.

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According to Igbemi Arthur Igbemi, Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, “the accreditation exercise is a vital component of the agency’s commitment to ensuring that enrollees of the state health insurance scheme have access to quality, affordable, and efficient healthcare services in all parts of Akwa Ibom State.”

This is one programme that significantly impacted access to healthcare in the state.

He explained that the exercise would help identify healthcare facilities that meet the required standards for service delivery under the scheme.

“Governor Umo Eno remains committed to expanding healthcare access for residents through the strengthening of the social health insurance programme,” adding that “accrediting more facilities would increase access points for beneficiaries and improve healthcare coverage, especially in rural and underserved communities.”

Indeed, the Akwa Ibom State Government has continued to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state including the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Primary Health Centre Operational Base in Oron Local Government Area.

The commissioning ceremony, which attracted government officials, healthcare stakeholders, traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the host community, formed part of the Governor’s ongoing inauguration of projects to marks the third anniversary of Eno’s administration.

Speaking at the event, Ekem Emmanuel, commissioner for health described the facility as “one of the largest and most impactful primary healthcare projects ever undertaken in the state.”

According to the Commissioner, the project goes far beyond the visible main structure, noting that the operational base also includes an administrative complex and residential accommodation for healthcare personnel to support round-the-clock healthcare services.

“This facility is known as the Primary Health Centre Operational Base because it serves as the coordinating and service hub for primary healthcare activities across this area,” he said.

Emmanuel explained that unlike the previous health facility in the area where services ended by 4 p.m., the new operational base would now provide 24-hour healthcare services to residents, thereby improving access to quality healthcare in rural communities and reducing pressure on secondary healthcare facilities.

He disclosed that the facility is fully equipped to provide maternal, reproductive, newborn, and child healthcare services, including antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal services, routine immunization, and child growth monitoring.

In line with the ARISE Agenda of the administration, the Commissioner also revealed that the health centre houses a Food Demonstration Space and Nutrition Corner aimed at combating malnutrition and eliminating child stunting through nutrition education and support services.

Emmanuel further announced that the Akwa Ibom State Government would commence the distribution of 3.9 million free insecticide-treated malaria nets across the state from June 1 to June 30, adding that over 3,500 Akwa Ibomites had already been trained and engaged for the exercise.

He thanked Governor Umo Eno for what he described as his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.

“We have never had it this good, and we remain proud to be part of the transformation your administration continues to deliver,” the Commissioner stated.

In his remarks, the Governor stated that the projects being commissioned were clear evidence of his administration’s resolve to support the people of Oron Nation and all parts of the state through inclusive governance and infrastructural development.

Eno revealed that the state government was currently commissioning 31 health centres and 31 primary schools across the state as part of its first-phase developmental projects.

He also disclosed that the Ibom International Hospital would be officially flagged off in June, describing the facility as one of the best healthcare institutions in the country.

According to the Governor, work on the hospital project is progressing steadily as part of his administration’s determination to prioritise the health, welfare, and security of Akwa Ibom people.

“In June, we are unveiling the Ibom International Hospital, and it is a massive project. It is going to be one of the best hospitals this country has,” the Governor stated.

Though past administrations had focused on secondary healthcare facilities, the decision of Governor Umo Eno to revisit primary healthcare facilities with a view to reconstruction and providing up-to-date facilities has made all the difference.

With 31 primary health centres up and running and being the closest to the people and with the Ibom international hospital being planned by the state government, the health sector has witnessed a new lease of life and this has gone a long way in expanding access to healthcare delivery in the state.