In its avowed commitment to boost the health care delivery system, Akwa Ibom State Government has set out modalities for the resuscitation of general hospitals in order to enhance speedy access to health care services
The Commissioner for Health Dr Dominic Ukpong dropped the hint during his interaction with Government House Correspondents in his office,shortly after an unscheduled visit by the State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel to General Hospital and School of Health Technology in Etinan Local Government Area.
The Health Commissioner said that government is highly committed to overhauling the health care delivery system and has made adequate plans to upgrade manpower, facilities and infrastructure in the government owned health institutions for optimal performance.
He pointed out that most of the General Hospitals built in the sixties and manned by medical missionaries are now in a sorry state with overgrown grasses and rodents taking permanent residence in the structures following low patronage.
This, according to Dr Ukpong, is counter productive to the vision of the present administration which seeks to provide quality health care services for the people.
He said that in the first phase of rehabilitation of Etinan General Hospital, access roads would be created, a block comprising operating theatre,Delivery Ward and another block of four flats to serve as staff quarters as well as a storey building for administrative duties have been earmarked for construction.
The Commissioner who acknowledged that the facility at the School Of Health Technology, Etinan LGA has been threatened by ecological problems said that the problem would be addressed, classrooms and hostel blocks built to provide conducive learning environment and accommodation provided for the male students who presently reside off – campus.
Dr Ukpong added that the State government has subvented the School with ten million naira to off set students fees and that new tuition becomes operational in the new academic session.
Governor Emmanuel who expressed displeasure at the poor sanitary condition of the health facilities declared saturday 27th August for environmental sanitation in the institutions.
Commissioners, Head of Civil Service, Mrs Ekerebong Akpan and prominent indigenes of the area including Engr. Billy Etuk accompanied the Governor on the inspection visit.
