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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The federal government has said that it would support Akwa Ibom state in her health sector reforms through successful completion and operation of medical city which will engage 2,844 health workers
Speaking in Uyo Akwa Ibom state capital during the unveiling of Medical City project, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Mohammad Ali Pate reiterated federal government commitment to facilitate engagement with Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora who may be willing to contribute their expertise toward the development of the Medical City and the nation’s healthcare sector.
The Minister urged the state government to consider making health insurance mandatory to ensure wider coverage and improved access to healthcare services for residents.
Pate commended Governor Eno’s leadership and prayed for continued strength and wisdom to deliver on the vision for the people of the state .
“You have shown remarkable vision, commitment and passion for your people. What we are witnessing here reflects the aspirations of the Federal Government’s healthcare reform agenda”
Pate who performed the unveiling ceremony was accompanied by healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and development partners displaying what has been described as one of the most ambitious healthcare infrastructure projects in Nigeria
In his address, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno said the Medical City project is designed to transform healthcare delivery, reduce medical tourism and position the state as a leading destination for specialized healthcare services in Nigeria and beyond.
Eno while unveiling the Medical City described the project as one of the most audacious investments ever undertaken by his administration.
Referring to the scriptures in the book Habakkuk 2 verse 2, Eno said the vision for the project was conceived not only for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people but also for Nigerians and Africans seeking access to quality healthcare services.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment and providing support to sub-national governments through ongoing reforms.
He noted that the Medical City aligns with the healthcare objectives of his administration’s ARISE Agenda as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Eno disclosed that the project occupies approximately 100 hectares of land, with various sections designated for different medical specialties and healthcare-related services.
According to him, the facility is designed to drastically reduce medical tourism by providing technologically advanced, patient-centred healthcare services comparable to global standards.
“This project is not just a construction project; it is an investment in the future health and prosperity of our people
“The Medical City is expected to become financially self-sustaining in the long term while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth”.
He disclosed that the state has employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery across Akwa Ibom.
He urged residents to take advantage of the state’s health insurance programmes, emphasizing that universal health coverage remains critical to achieving sustainable healthcare outcomes.
The Governor further announced that Akwa Ibom would receive a brand-new Aircraft terminal in July, a development expected to complement the state’s growing profile as a destination for investment and specialized healthcare services.
Providing an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John and the Project Manager, Dr. Teinye Isokariari described the facility as more than a hospital as it is a journey towards healthcare excellence.
Isokariari explained that the Medical City will comprise a 10-storey complex housing 62 medical specialties and equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of delivering world-class healthcare services.
He mentioned that 100 Akwa Ibom indigene would be sent abroad for specialized training six months before the completion of the facility to enable them operate the sophisticated equipment to be installed at the centre.
He said that the structure is supported by 356 foundation piles to ensure maximum stability and durability and assured stakeholders that the project would meet global standards.
“We are committed to ensuring that this dream becomes a reality”
