By Uko Okon
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to shut down health facilities found to be employing unqualified personnel in a bid to ensure that healthcare services are delivered only by trained professionals, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, made this known during the ARISE Health Sector Town Hall Meeting held over the weekend in Uyo. He disclosed that Governor Umo Eno has directed the ministry to enforce strict regulations aimed at eliminating illegal practices that pose risks to public health.
Dr. John revealed that joint task force teams have been set up to clamp down on fake and counterfeit drugs, monitor private health facilities, and eliminate quackery in the health sector. He further stated that as part of the ongoing reforms, the state will soon commence the re-registration of all private hospitals, and that laboratory services will be separated from pharmaceutical operations.
“Today in Akwa Ibom, there is so much medical quackery that even tailors now pass themselves off as medical doctors,” he said. “The Governor has directed that the ministry should come up with a revised guideline, and all private hospitals in Akwa Ibom must be re-registered. Once we publish the guideline, we will give everyone a time span to comply.”
The Commissioner assured that the initiative will help restore public confidence in the healthcare system and enforce ethical standards across both public and private facilities. He also announced that two new oxygen plants will be commissioned next month at the General Hospital, Ukpum Abak, and Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket, to replace the use of industrial oxygen.
He commended Governor Eno for involving major stakeholders in shaping the proposed Ibom International Hospital, and for approving the town hall meeting that allowed for robust engagement and contributions.
