Gov Eno’s Plan For Ibom Int’l Hospital Gets Broad Endorsement From Medical Stakeholders

… AKHA, Health Unions Laud Healthcare Reforms
By Enefiok Ndon
UYO 
The Akwa Ibom governor has received widespread commendation from medical stakeholders for his administration’s plan to establish a state-of-the-art 360-bed Ibom International Hospital.
Pastor Umo Eno’s endorsement came during the ARISE Health Town Hall Meeting, organised by the State Ministry of Health on Saturday at the Emerald Event Centre, Uyo, which brought together key figures from various health unions, regulatory bodies, and affiliated agencies.
Commissioner for health, Dr. Ekem John, who welcomed participants to the interactive session, said the meeting was convened on the directive of Governor Eno to provide updates on health sector reforms and engage stakeholders on the proposed international hospital project.
Providing an overview of the facility, the project consultant, Dr. Teye Isokarari, described the proposed Ibom International Hospital as a cutting-edge, technology-driven medical institution set to operate from an 8-floor complex equipped with robotic theatres, a helipad, and other modern features.   He said the hospital would position Akwa Ibom as a hub for medical tourism, attracting both local and international patients and boosting the state’s economy.
Isokarari further disclosed that the project is expected to be completed within 18 months, with recruitment and specialist training of healthcare professionals commencing six months before completion to ensure optimal service delivery from the outset.
Speaking at the town hall, chairman of Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), Dr. Igbemi Igbemi, praised Governor Eno’s ARISECare initiative and said the agency, which was established in September 2024, is already helping to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on residents through affordable insurance coverage.
Also contributing, chairman of Akwa Ibom Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS), Dr. Obot Jacob, said the emergency response system, launched in March 2025, has significantly improved the delivery of life-saving medical care across the State, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
He highlighted the availability of a fleet of Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances designed to address critical medical emergencies.
Chairman of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mr Moses Essien, was satisfied with the governor’s consultative approach to governance, stating that the legislature was fully in support of the hospital project and other health sector reforms being implemented under the current administration.
In separate goodwill messages, leaders of health professional bodies, including the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), applauded the governor’s vision and commitment to improving healthcare delivery and particularly lauded the proposed recruitment and training of health workers ahead of the hospital’s completion.
The ARISE Health Town Hall Meeting was part of ongoing efforts by the Eno-led administration to deepen citizens’ engagement and ensure inclusiveness in the implementation of development projects across the State.