14/07/2025
NMA-AKS Reaffirms Support for Ibom International Hospital, Calls for Urgent Review of Health Workers’ Welfare
The Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State Branch (NMA-AKS), has expressed strong support for the proposed Ibom International Hospital (IIH), while urging the state government to urgently address the longstanding issue of health workers’ welfare in the state.
This position was clearly stated during the ARISE Health Sector Town Hall Meeting held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Emerald Event Centre, Uyo. The meeting, initiated by Governor Umo Eno and convened by the State Ministry of Health, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including over 20 professional health associations, labour unions, civil society organisations, the NUJ and the NLC.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, while presenting the governor’s vision for the health sector under the ARISE agenda, unveiled plans for the Ibom International Hospital — a 350-bed, nine-floor, world-class quaternary facility with robotic theatres, a helipad, multi-specialty services, and an independent solar power system.
The NMA-AKS Chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, described the project as “a bold and innovative step,” noting that it could redefine the health landscape not only in Akwa Ibom but across the region. However, he was quick to point out that while infrastructure is important, people remain the most valuable resource in healthcare.
“We commend the Governor’s health infrastructure drive, but the silence on health workers’ welfare is too loud to ignore,” Dr. Peter said. “No welfare review has happened since 2015. Meanwhile, our colleagues in other states are already benefitting from revised salary scales.”
The meeting also reviewed gains in the health sector, such as the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA), the recently launched Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS), and the revitalisation of PHCs. However, NMA-AKS noted that these achievements would be unsustainable if the welfare of frontline health workers, especially doctors, is not prioritised.
The Communique, co-signed by Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, Prof. Augustine Umoh, Dr. Aniekan Peter, Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt and other sector leaders, strongly urged the Governor to:
📍 Implement a comprehensive welfare review for health workers;
📍 Introduce a Rural Retention Allowance and a Scarce Professional Skills Retention Package to discourage brain drain;
📍 Expedite the recruitment of at least 1,000 health professionals as earlier promised.
“We cannot continue to applaud infrastructure while our doctors are leaving in droves. This is the time to act,” Prof. Umoh added.
NMA-AKS also called for the mandatory enrollment of all residents and businesses into AKSHIA, stronger publicity for AKISEMSAS, and legislative fast-tracking of pending health sector reform bills, including the establishment of a Drug Management Agency.
Responding, Hon. Moses Essien, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, assured stakeholders of the House's commitment to passing relevant legislation in support of healthcare reforms.
While the association commended the Governor’s visionary approach and expressed confidence in his commitment to healthcare transformation, NMA-AKS reiterated that no reform can succeed without a well-motivated and fairly treated health workforce.
“We remain willing partners in progress, but we must be honest — welfare matters. It is time to match words with action,” Dr. Aniekan Peter concluded.
Signed:
Dr. Gabriel Eyo
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State
