As part of its reforms in the health sector, the Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to commence the re-registration of all private hospitals operating in the state.
It noted that such an exercise would ascertain the eligibility of the hospitals and the qualifications of their personnel.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, who disclosed this during the ARISE Health Sector Town Hall Meeting in Uyo over the weekend, said the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, had directed the ministry to strictly enforce regulations to rid the health sector of illegalities that pose a danger to public health.
The commissioner also revealed that joint task force teams have been inaugurated to combat fake and counterfeit drugs, monitor private health facilities, and clamp down on quacks operating in the sector.
He stressed that the government would shut down any health facilities in the state that employ unqualified workers, adding that the joint task force has been empowered to identify and take action against such facilities.
He said the decision was aimed at ensuring that healthcare services are delivered by trained professionals, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens.
His words, “Today in Akwa Ibom, there is so much medical quackery that even tailors now pass themselves off as medical doctors.
“The governor has directed that the ministry should come up with a revised guideline and all private hospitals in Akwa Ibom must be re-registered. Immediately we publish the guideline, we will give everybody a time span.”
The commissioner assured that the move will restore citizens’ confidence in the state’s health system and ensure strict adherence to ethical standards in both private and public facilities.
He hinted that next month, the state will launch two new oxygen plants at the General Hospital, Ukpum Abak, and Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket, which will replace the use of industrial oxygen plants.
He commended the governor for allowing major stakeholders in the health sector to contribute to the proposed Ibom International Hospital by approving the town hall meeting.
