AKSG, FG Partner to Construct 200-Bed General Hospital in Ibiono Ibom
By Ekemini Simon
The Government of Akwa Ibom State in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria have commenced the construction of a General Hospital in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The project which witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the local government headquarters, Okoita will at completion be a 200-bed hospital.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel assured that despite commencing the project nine months to the end of his administration, the project will be completed within the life of his administration.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Akwa Ibom State, Prof Augustine Umoh, the Governor said the project will be executed in phases with the Maternity and Child Health Department to be implemented during the first phase of the project.
He added ” We are committed to complete this project within the life of this administration. Health is what we should not play with. We want good health for the people that is why we have renovated and reconstructed many General Hospitals across the State.
“This will be one of the best General hospitals around. All we ask is that the people continue to support the Government. With your support, we assure you that we will continue to achieve much.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Essien explained that the collaboration by the Federal Government is through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) project.
He noted that the hospital will have units such as the Administrative block, Accident and Emergency block, General Out Patient Department, General Theatre, Male Wards, and Female Wards.
Others are Mortuary, Staff Quarters and Maternity and Child Health Department which will be provided by the SDGs project.
Essien said the Hospital will boast of a wide range of diagnostics notably CT scan, ultrasound scan, x-ray and medical laboratory. The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the provision of a CT scan in the facility will make it the first secondary health facility to have CT scan in the State.
In a goodwill message, the Council Chairman of Ibiono Ibom local government area, Mr. Ekopimo Edet thanked the State Government for the project. He noted that besides the hospital holding the prospect of saving lives, it is an indication that the people of the area are cherished by the current administration.
On his part, the Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency at the State Assembly, Mr. Godwin Ekpo expressed gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel for putting to use the land the people of the local government donated to the State over 20 years ago.
He appealed to the State Government to complete the project before exit.