Idongesit Ashameri, Uyo
In a bid to transform the healthcare landscape of Akwa Ibom State, the State House of Assembly is set to embark on a comprehensive tour of state hospitals and health institutions.
This initiative aims to address the growing concerns of negligence and inadequate facilities reported by the public.
Hon Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Health who revealed this during a discussion with Correspondents in Uyo on Wednesday said the committee’s commitment signals a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Reacting further on the state of public healthcare facilities he said: “Your concerns align with our plans. We will conduct unannounced visits to these hospitals to observe conditions firsthand. Medical professionals should be present and attentive, not responding only to emergencies. Our oversight will ensure these standards are met and that we address the issues directly with Governor Umo Eno.”
Essien emphasized the Assembly’s active role in addressing health sector challenges. “We have already responded to issues raised in the House. For instance, at Okorette General Hospital, we summoned key health officials and mandated immediate corrective actions, which led to significant improvements.”
He used the occasion to confirm that the inaugurated Board for the Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Scheme, just conducted by Governor Umo Eno to reactivate a law that had been dormant since its passage in 2022 was the initiative of his committee.
The move, according to Essien is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for residents, marking another milestone in the state’s healthcare reforms.
On Ibom Specialty Hospital built by the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker said the committee had carried out and inspection and had made necessary recommendations to the Governor whom he said had pledged commitment to address such issues.
The member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency alerted the executive of the abundant and untapped natural resources, including oilwells in the area and the need to create access roads to attract investors into such areas.
Essien who recently defected back to the PDP from the YPP declared political parties as platforms to fulfill the wishes and desires of one’s constituents.
In his response, the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Bassey Anthony of Nation newspaper pledged collaboration with the legislature in projecting the state. He recounted his personal encounter with public health facilities in the state and called for urgent attention.