In fulfilment of his campaign promise to set up an insurance scheme that will seek to make healthcare delivery services easily available, accessible and affordable, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a 15-member Health Insurance Agency Board.
In line with this, the state government has ordered six ambulances to commence emergency services and ensure timely response to health issues across the state.
In his remarks at the brief inauguration ceremony held at the State Exco Chambers, Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno noted that the introduction of the ambulance services was in fulfilment of a promise he made during the campaigns.
He also noted that it was occasioned by the need to build a robust healthcare delivery system in addition to the well-equipped model health centres and other recent developments in the state’s health sector, adding that on arrival, the ambulances will be strategically stationed for timely response to medical emergencies across the three Senatorial Districts.
He stated that the Health Insurance Agency, so inaugurated, is a critical agency with members selected based on professional competence rather than political consideration, and warned against politicising issues of healthcare delivery in the state.
Related: Recruitment of Additional Health Workers Underway In Akwa Ibom
According to him, “one of the ARISE Agenda goals is to produce a healthy and educated workforce in line with Sustainable Development Goals No. 3, and that explains why we have concentrated our efforts on the provision of healthcare services in primary or rural areas.
“We have already commissioned the first of our model primary healthcare centres in Ikot Nkwo, Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area, and others will soon be commissioned. These healthcare centres have the most modern facilities and are manned by trained medical personnel.
“We will also provide ambulance service to ensure the treatment of patients in emergencies. Ambulance service is a major element; it is indeed the fulcrum upon which healthcare delivery service revolves, especially in advanced societies. That is why we are deeply intentional in the provision of this critical service.
“We have placed an order for six ambulances to kick-start this exercise, and we will keep increasing the fleet. The essence here is to have an ambulance service that will be available to handle any emergency medical situation that may arise within a few kilometres across the length and breadth of our state. The ambulances are not cheap, but we are determined to make them available for our people,” he assured.
The Governor noted that the recruitment of 400 medical personnel and 100 health and safety officers into the State Civil Service are bold steps indicating his administration’s passionate dedication to the healthcare needs of Akwa Ibom people.
While congratulating the chairman and members of the board, he charged them to hit the ground running as he expects to see a reduction in some of the diseases that are currently affecting people.
Members of the Board include Dr. Edikan Ekwere (Chairman), Dr. Arthur Igbemi (Executive Secretary/Secretary to the Board), Dr. Oku Samuel Okoiseh, a member, and Mr. Andy Eyo, a member.
Others are Dr. Christie Akwaowo, Dr. Iboro Elijah Udoh, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, Namso Marcus, Comrade Sunny James, Comrade Kingsley Ekong, and Mrs. Magdalene Udom, directors representing the Ministries of Justice, Finance and Department of Establishment, as well as the State Coordinator of NHIS.
