Comfort Isaac
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to shut down health facilities in the state that employ unqualified workers.
This decision aims to ensure that healthcare services are delivered by trained professionals, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr Ekem John disclosed this during the ARISE Health Sector Town Hall Meeting in Uyo on Weekend.
He disclosed that Governor Umo Eno directed his ministry to strictly enforce regulations to rid the health sector of illegalities that pose a danger to public health.
John noted that joint task force teams have been inaugurated to combat fake and counterfeit drugs, monitor private health facilities, and quacks operating in the health sector.
He stated that as part of the reforms in the health sector, the state will soon commence the reregistration of all private hospitals and laboratories will equally be separated from pharmaceutical facilities.
“Today in Akwa Ibom there is so much of medical quackery that even tailors now pass themselves off as medical doctors.
“The Governor has directed that the Ministry should come up with a revised guideline and all private hospitals in Akwa Ibom must be re-registered. Immediately we publish the guideline we will give everybody a time span”.
The Commissioner assured that the move will restore citizens’ confidence in the state’s health system, and ensure strict adherence to ethical standards in private and public facilities.
He hinted that next month, the state will launch 2 new oxygen plant at the general hospital, Ukpum Abak and Emmanuel general hospital, Eket which will replace industrial oxygen plant.
He commended the governor for allowing the major stakeholders in the health sectors to make inputs for the proposed Ibom International Hospital by approving the town hall meeting.
