Akwa Ibom Government to Close Health Facilities with Unqualified Staff and Implement Stricter Regulations
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced its intention to close health facilities that employ unqualified medical personnel as part of a comprehensive reform of the state’s healthcare system.
During a Health Sector Town Hall Meeting held on Sunday in Uyo, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, shared this information. He emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to ensure that healthcare services are provided by trained professionals, thereby protecting the health and well-being of the community.
Dr. John revealed that Governor Umo Eno has instructed the Ministry of Health to rigorously enforce existing regulations and eliminate illegal practices that pose risks to public health. He noted, “In Akwa Ibom today, there is widespread medical quackery, with even tailors pretending to be doctors.”
To address this issue, the state has established a joint task force responsible for combating the distribution of fake and counterfeit medications, monitoring private health facilities, and identifying unqualified practitioners in the healthcare sector.
Re-registration of Private Hospitals, Labs, and Pharmacies Begins
As part of the reform efforts, the state government will soon initiate the re-registration of all private hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies. Dr. John explained that new guidelines for private medical practice are being developed and will be released shortly. “All private hospitals in the state must be re-registered. We will publish the guidelines, and all hospitals will be given a timeframe to comply,” he stated.
Reforms to Restore Public Confidence in Healthcare
Dr. John expressed that shutting down unqualified health facilities would help restore public trust in the state’s healthcare system and ensure strict adherence to ethical standards in both private and public health institutions.
As part of these broader reforms, he announced that the state government will commission two new medical-grade oxygen plants at the General Hospital in Ukpum Abak and Emmanuel General Hospital in Eket in August. These plants will replace the use of industrial oxygen in public health facilities.
The commissioner also praised Governor Umo Eno for involving key stakeholders in the development of the proposed Ibom International Hospital, noting that this inclusive approach would enhance the project’s effectiveness and sustainability.
What You Should Know
Akwa Ibom State has over 400 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and several general hospitals, although many of these facilities require upgrades to meet modern healthcare standards. In recent years, the government has worked to renovate some of these PHCs through the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, but access remains a challenge in rural areas.
The Ibom Specialist Hospital, initially intended to be a flagship facility for medical tourism, has faced operational difficulties. However, the government is actively working to revitalize it. Additionally, plans are underway for the development of the Ibom International Hospital to enhance the state’s capacity for advanced, tertiary-level healthcare.
To improve critical care infrastructure, the state will soon launch two new medical-grade oxygen plants at General Hospital Ukpum Abak and Emmanuel General Hospital in Eket.
Akwa Ibom is also aligning with national health objectives through the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), which focuses on improving maternal and child health, expanding immunization coverage, and ensuring access to essential medicines for vulnerable populations.
To make healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly for those in the informal sector, the state is rolling out the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA).
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