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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Health workers under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State, have endorsed Governor Umo Eno for a second term, citing sweeping reforms and improved welfare in the state’s healthcare sector.
The endorsement was announced during a ceremony held in Uyo, where medical professionals and other health sector workers gathered to express appreciation to the governor for his administration’s interventions.
Speaking at the event, the Akwa Ibom State NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, who also doubles as Chairman of Health Sector Workers in the state, commended the governor for implementing welfare packages for health workers since last year. He noted that the reforms have ushered in what he described as an infrastructural renaissance across the sector.
Peter highlighted the construction of model primary healthcare centres across the state’s local government areas, many of which include residential quarters for doctors, nurses, and other health workers.
He also pointed to the General Hospital in Ukanafun, describing it as one of the best-equipped in the country, with facilities such as CT scan machines, other advanced diagnostic equipment, and furnished residential apartments for staff.
“We are here to register our appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for the welfare packages and reforms that have transformed the health sector in Akwa Ibom State,” he said, adding that ongoing recruitment of health workers should be expedited to reduce pressure on existing personnel.
Also speaking, Pharmacist Abasiama Uwatt, Secretary of the Coalition of Healthcare Sector Leaders in the state, said the endorsement was driven by visible improvements in infrastructure, remuneration, and prioritisation of healthcare under the current administration.
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She noted that the introduction of a functional social health insurance scheme, renovation of existing facilities, and construction of new primary healthcare centres have significantly improved service delivery.
According to her, “Before now, the sector faced numerous challenges, including poor infrastructure and inadequate remuneration. However, the current administration has prioritised healthcare, and we are already seeing the impact.”
Similarly, Chairman of the Radiographers Association of Nigeria in the state, Prince Mkpouto Ibanga, praised the government’s policy of free medical treatment for children aged 0–4 and elderly citizens above 65 years, describing it as a major relief for vulnerable groups.
“In our general hospitals, children under five and citizens above 65 receive free treatment, which shows the government’s commitment to supporting the less privileged,” he said.
Responding, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, thanked the health workers for recognising the government’s efforts, noting that more initiatives are underway to strengthen the sector.
He disclosed that the state government has launched a new public health initiative aimed at revitalising medical infrastructure and expanding access to essential services, particularly in rural communities. The initiative includes renovation of clinics and procurement of modern diagnostic equipment to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved areas.
The endorsement by health professionals is seen as a boost to Governor Eno’s administration, as stakeholders continue to assess the impact of reforms in critical sectors across the state.
