Follow Us on Google
From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government has expressed satisfaction with the pace of work at the construction site of the International Hospital project after 3 months of ground breaking and subsequent mobilization to site and assured the people that the medical facility would be completed in 2027.
According to the state governor pastor Umo Eno , the progress of work has reaffirmed the confidence of delivering a world-class medical facility for Nigeria and medical tourism globally.
Speaking with Journalists during an unscheduled inspection of the project site in Uyo, Eno said he was satisfied with both with the work progress and quality of job done adding that the contractor’s performance was impressive barely two months after the turning of the sod marking the official commencement of the project
Eno commended the Commissioner for Health Dr Ekem John , the lead contractor, project coordinator, doctors and other professionals involved in the project, saying their commitment and expertise demonstrated the administration’s determination to deliver a quality medical facility.
He expressed hope that when completed, the hospital would rank among the best medical facilities in Nigeria and beyond.
“I believe we will deliver a world-class medical facility, not just for Akwa Ibom people, but for the continent of Afica and beyond”
Eno explained that the hospital project remains part of his administration’s sustained investment in the health sector considering the wellbeing of the people as central to his development agenda.
He observed that investments in infrastructure such as roads and public facilities would have limited value if the people lacked the good health required to enjoy them.
He highlighted the cancer treatment component of the project, noting that limited access to early diagnostic facilities often resulted in cancer being detected at advanced stages, when treatment becomes more difficult and potentially fatal.
He said the new medical facility would provide potential users with opportunities for regular medical examinations and early detection mechanisms, thereby improving the chances of successful treatment and prolonging lives.
Eno renewed his call for Akwa Ibom residents to embrace health insurance, warning that the cost of specialised treatment and surgical procedures could be beyond the reach of many families when medical bills were paid entirely out-of-pocket.
“Having insurance policy is the only way a lot of us would benefit from an advanced hospital like this because there are treatments you may want to access here but may not be able to pay the bills”
Responding, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, said the medical community had been fully involved in the conception and development of the project.
He said the state government engaged 25 health-sector unions and their leadership, while specialists from local and international institutions contributed to the planning and design of the facility.
” About 40 consultants from different medical specialties participated in assessing the healthcare needs of patients and determining the appropriate facilities and services required
“Experts from Germany and the United States, as well as consultants from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, National Hospital, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, were involved in the process”.
The project team disclosed that construction was progressing simultaneously across the three major wings of the facility, with different teams working day and night to accelerate completion.
The Consultant and Coordinator of the project, Dr Teinye Isokariari, said Governor Eno had set June 2027 as the delivery target, but the team was working to beat the deadline.
The Structural Engineer, Mohammed Bita, explained that the three wings were being developed as independent projects to fast-track construction and ensure timely delivery.
“The Ibom International Hospital is expected to strengthen specialised healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom, improve early diagnosis and treatment, and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state to access certain medical services”.
