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The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to designate the Ibom Medical City corridor as a tax incentive and free trade zone to attract both local and international investors to the health sector in the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peters, and made available to journalists in Uyo, the association stated that granting tax incentives and free trade zone status to the medical facility would also encourage the establishment of world-class hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, medical equipment manufacturers and producers of medical consumables.
The statement reads in part:
“To maximise the enormous healthcare and economic potential of the Ibom Medical City, the Association respectfully appeals to the State Government to designate the Ibom Medical City Corridor as a tax incentive and free trade zone. Such a designation will attract both local and international investors, encourage the establishment of world-class hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, medical equipment manufacturers, and producers of hospital consumables, while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.”
The NMA, while describing the Ibom Medical City project as a landmark project and a bold, visionary investment that will transform the state into a leading destination for quality healthcare, also expressed the hope that it would promote medical education, research, innovation and medical tourism in Nigeria and across Africa.
“We commend the governor’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the health sector through strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure.
“The NMA also applauds the renewed efforts of the state government in repositioning the Ibom Specialist Hospital through the provision of a state-of-the-art CT scanner and other modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
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“These investments will significantly improve healthcare delivery, reduce medical referrals outside the state, and restore public confidence in tertiary healthcare services.”
The association therefore called on both public and private investors, as well as federal, state and privately owned teaching hospitals, to consider locating their facilities within the Ibom Medical City.
“The clustering of healthcare institutions will foster collaboration in clinical services, specialist training, medical education, research and innovation, thereby establishing the city as Nigeria’s foremost healthcare hub.”
The NMA urged Governor Umo Eno to strongly consider making the Ibom Specialist Hospital a medical university and teaching hospital.
“The Nigerian Medical Association urges the Akwa Ibom State Government to deliberately partner with Akwa Ibom medical professionals in the diaspora in the planning, development, governance, and operation of the Ibom Medical City.”
It stated that harnessing the expertise, global experience and international networks of these professionals would help establish the highest standards of clinical care, medical education, research, hospital administration, quality assurance and institutional governance.
“Their involvement will provide the robust institutional framework required to successfully develop and sustainably manage a medical city of this magnitude, positioning Akwa Ibom as a globally competitive centre of healthcare excellence.”
