Hon. Okpolupm Etteh of the Eket/ONNA/Esit-Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency, in a bid to complement the United Nation’s Universal Healthcare for Akwa Ibom through the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), has flagged off a 12-day free comprehensive medical and surgical outreach for residents of the area.
The federal lawmaker, at the outreach, which commenced on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Cottage Hospital, Upenekang, Ibeno Local Government Area, said he has made quality healthcare services available for vulnerable and underserved members of the area at a cost-free, adding that he was ready to purchase 200 Life Premiums for members of my constituency.
Hon. Etteh, who reaffirmed his commitment to improving the well-being of his constituents, emphasized that the outreach was in line with his ongoing efforts to provide accessible healthcare and uplift the lives of his people.
He appealed to residents to take advantage of the outreach across the federal constituency and also enrolled in the State Health Insurance Scheme for easy access to medical care in the future.
AKSHIA is a state health insurance scheme whose premium payment is at N18,000, the amount guarantees universal coverage for the vulnerable and the informal sector group.
The flag-off ceremony was presided over by the Transition Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Hon. Emma Ibok, and witnessed by key stakeholders, including the Member representing Esit-Eket/Ibeno State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Engr. Friday Udobia; a member of the State Technical School Board, Hon. Henry Ekpe-Nko; State Officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Grace Ekpe-Nko; pioneer Vice Chairman of Ibeno, Prince Inyang Eyo-Ita, the Ibeno PDP Chairmanship Candidate, Mrs. Glory Ekah, and her deputy, Mr. Friday Ukpong, among others.
In their separate goodwill message, the State Assemblyman, the PDP Chairmanship candidate, and others lauded Hon. Etteh for his magnanimity and also expressed gratitude to him for the life-saving healthcare services offered free of charge.
Medical professionals conducted consultations, surgeries, and various medical treatments during the outreach. A total of 880 patients were attended to during the event. Of these, 42 surgeries were successfully performed, while 265 individuals were diagnosed with visual problems. A total of 215 lenses (glasses) were dispensed to those in need, enhancing their vision. Additionally, 724 laboratory investigations were conducted to ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Medical Team, Dr Alphonsus Ekanem, addressing the people of the area hinted that the outreach was expected to run for three days in Ibeno LGA before moving to the next benefiting local government area, providing a broad range of healthcare services, including medical consultations, surgeries, visual examinations, the provision of corrective lenses, laboratory tests, and health education.
Media Unit
Office of the Honourable Member
Eket/ONNA/Esit-Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency
