By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government yesterday disclosed that it has released N132m for maintenance of General Hospitals across the 31 local councils of the state.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo during a two days inaugural inter-ministerial briefing tagged: “Tracking the promise”, organized by the state Ministry of Information and strategy, The health commissioner, Prof Augustine Umoh maintained that Governor Udom Emmanuel was committed to health care delivery in the state.
Umoh who maintained that the state government was aware of shortage of Nurses and Midwives in the health sector added that the shortfall of medical personnel has been addressed through employment of over 300 Doctors and Nurses in hospitals.
He explained that the number of recruited medical personnel was not still enough adding thay government has planned to bring back retired midwives who are still strong to support existing ones in the health service.
” The Ministry of Health will soon bring back retired Midwives who are still strong into the state hospital service.Government will pay them stipend to encourage them in contributing through their acquired experiences in the health sector.
”However , more health personnel would be employed to ensure efficient health care delivery in the state.” The commissioner stated.
Umoh reeled out achievements of Emmanuel in the health sector in the last 8 years to include renovation of hospitals and construction of new ones , Remodelling of General Hospitals in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Anua, procurement of medical equipment , recruitment of health personnel as well as effective management of COVID-19 pandemic among others.
During the vote of thanks, The paramount ruler of Ukanafun local government, HRM, Akuku Engr. Amos D. Akpan observed that if the inter-ministerial briefing is taken seriously at least once a year, featuring briefing by all commissioners and stake holders of the state, that it will keep members of the public on the know of all government development and the communication gap will be leveled.
“The inter ministerial briefing by the government is a welcome development. It should have been done on periodic basis right from the inception of the administration. Doing it now a few days to the election gives it a political colouration, making it look as if it is a political gimmick”, he said.
Speaking further, the royal father extolled the state governor for caring for them through provision of jeep cars to ease their transportation and timely payment of monthly stipends and appealed for more consideration in area of appointment of more traditional rulers into employable offices. And most importantly for the peace that has prevailed in the state since he assumed office till now.
On his part; the economic development and special duties & Ibom deep seaport commissioner, Mr. Bassey Okon and Enem Bob respectively gave good accounts of their stewardship as Enem Bob specifically refuted report by NBS stating that Akwa Ibom State has 51% unemployment rate, saying that the survey was not properly conducted.
Wrapping up the event, the coordinator and information boss, Comrade Ini Ememobong stated that the inter ministerial briefing will resume after the Saturday 18 Governorship/ House of Assembly elections.