Akwa Ibom to Shut Down Hospitals with Fake Medical Staff

Akwa Ibom to Shut Down Hospitals with Fake Medical Staff
All private hospitals, labs, pharmacies to be re-registered
Two oxygen plants to be commissioned in August

By Grateful Ogunjebe

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to shut down hospitals and clinics operating with unqualified personnel. The measure is part of sweeping reforms in the state’s health sector.

Health Commissioner, Dr Ekem John, disclosed this during a town hall meeting held in Uyo on Sunday. He warned that illegal practices and medical quackery would no longer be tolerated.

Governor Umo Eno, according to the commissioner, has directed the Ministry of Health to enforce strict regulations aimed at protecting citizens from harmful healthcare delivery.

Dr John described the situation as alarming, saying, “In Akwa Ibom today, there is rampant medical quackery, with even tailors passing themselves off as doctors.”

To address this, the state has set up a joint task force to monitor private health facilities, eliminate fake drugs, and flush out unqualified workers in the health system.

As part of the reform, the government will soon begin the re-registration of all private hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical outlets across the state.

Eko Hot Blog reports that new guidelines for private medical practice will soon be published, and a timeline will be issued for full compliance.

Dr John said the state is determined to restore public trust in its healthcare system by enforcing ethical standards and proper regulation across the board.

He also announced the commissioning of two medical-grade oxygen plants in August at the General Hospital, Ukpum Abak, and Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket.

These oxygen plants will replace the use of industrial-grade oxygen in public hospitals, which he noted had posed serious health risks in the past.

The government is also working to revive the Ibom Specialist Hospital and develop the proposed Ibom International Hospital to improve access to tertiary-level care.

Dr John praised Governor Umo Eno for adopting an inclusive approach by involving key stakeholders in the planning process for the new hospital project.

He further stated that the government is improving rural healthcare through the Primary Healthcare Development Agency and rolling out the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA).

The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to national health goals through initiatives like the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, which aims to improve maternal health and access to essential medicine.