..as Gov Eno gives strict guidelines for operation of ambulance service
By Shadrach Okon
Last weekend was a beehive of activities in Akwa Ibom State as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, led a federal delegation to Akwa Ibom State to commission healthcare infrastructure in the state.
The commissioning of the health infrastructure took place last Saturday when Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate Commissioned Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production Plant (AKSMOPP), Ituk Mbang; Model Primary Health Centre (Base), Wellington Bassey Way; and the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS) in the state.
Speaking while unveiling the health infrastructure before the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Governor Eno Eno described the health infrastructure as a fulfillment of his campaign promise to bring healthcare infrastructure closer to the people and ensure that high-quality medical services are assessable to residents of the state.
“The formal unveiling of this facility, one of such we are doing across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, validates our campaign promise to bring quality healthcare to our people.“We are not only building the infrastructure, but we are also providing insurance for our people, and all these are geared towards ensuring medical tourism. Governor Umo Eno said.
Eno who described time as very important in healthcare delivery expressed optimism that The health infrastructure will help the people to get real-time help.
According to him, “We are committed to improving the quality of life for our people, and I thank the people of Akwa Ibom State for their support and solidarity. So long as God keeps us here, we will continue to serve with all our might and ensure that we make our state a pride in the comity of states in Nigeria.”
Governor Eno who used the opportunity to commend the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John, for his hard work in making the project possible revealed that the state now has 28 ambulances, a call center, and two additional ambulances donated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The governor warned those working under the state ambulance service not to divert anything meant for the facility.
” Henceforth, no ambulance from the state should be used for burials.“In addition, we will ensure that ambulances used by private healthcare facilities in Akwa Ibom State are also registered with the Ministry of Health.” Eno said.
Commissioning the project, Prof. Ali Pate said, “It gives me great pleasure to be in Akwa Ibom to see the great work done by the administration of Pastor Umo Eno.
“Healthcare is critical because, when you are not healthy, no sector can thrive, and the Governor has taken health as a core vision of the Arise Agenda. President Tinubu is keen to transform the healthcare sector and is interested in Local Government Areas and states collaborating. Today, we have seen what states can do to improve healthcare, and this project encompasses every facet of healthcare service delivery.
