By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has said that his administration’s prompt action at revamping the health sector of the state economy is to ensure that the citizens receive medical help easily and within minimal time, especially during emergency.
Speaking during the commissioning of the remodeled general hospital in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state yesterday, Gov Emmanuel explained that his administration has channeled enough resources to get all general hospitals in the state in good shape to safe lives.
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“Our vision is that if you have medical emergency, anywhere in Akwa Ibom State, it should not take you more than 30 minutes to get help in a well equipped, well staffed hospital, excluding cottage hospitals, excluding Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
“I am talking about well equipped medical centres which a lot of people call secondary health care facilities, which is the general hospital. It cannot take you 30 minutes, that is our vision.
“We value lives, we value our citizens, we value lives more than anything. We don’t want anything to happen to anybody that is avoidable. That is the essence in which we are littering everywhere in the state with well equipped hospitals.
“As at today, we are leaving office, still a whole lot of containers of medical equipment are on ground. I think some are yet to be cleared at Onne Port, more are on the high sea. Those ones would arrive after I would have left office, but at least when they arrive, you will see the signature of Udom Emmanuel equipment that are 2024/2025 equipment in terms of medicare,” he stated.
While speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustune Umoh applauded the governor for his drive to change the face of health sector in the state, saying his achievements in this area across the state was a testament to this fact.
“His Excellency has completely painted the landscape of medicine and medical facilities in this state and has clearly left a giant foot print in the sands of medical practice in Akw Ibom State. You will therefore imagine my joy and feeling.
“I pledge that the staff of this hospital and indeed the medical field will utilise their medical facility to the glory of God. I call on all the workers in this facility to put in their best.
“I also call on the good people of Etim Ekpo, that if you look at the pictures that we have here, you could see if you ever came here, what this place looked liked, you will also see what His Excellency has done. But that would come to nought, if you do not utilise this facility.
“Going forward, we promise to give you the best in terms of service. Come forward, utilise it and improve your health,” he stated.
It would be recalled that before the intervention of government, the remodeled General Hospital in Etim Ekpo local government area and many other ones were in deplorable conditions
