By Akanimo Kufre
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, has lauded Governor Umo Eno’s establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services (AKISEMSAS) as a signature project in the state.
Dr. John recently highlighted the major breakthroughs in the health sector of Akwa Ibom, including the Revised Essential Medicine List, Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA), Draft Health State Adaptation Plan (HSAP) on Climate and Health, Epidemic Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) policy, and HIV Workplace policy.
Some health consultants in Uyo evaluated the significance of the reforms and rated AKISEMSAS as commendable and requiring sustainability.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Chairman, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Aniekan Peter, stated that AKISEMSAS “is the best thing to happen to Akwa Ibom State.”
“There is so much to be thankful for. The ambulance service has ensured timely evacuation to hospitals, reducing morbidity and mortality due to delays and reducing maternal and child mortality in the state.”
“There is succor for accident victims and a reduction of service charges on citizens, as the ambulance operates at no cost to citizens.”
“The overall rating is good, and the ambulance is fitted with cameras for quality control and monitoring.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Dr. Idorenyin Udoh, commended the Health Commissioner and Governor Umo Eno for transforming the Akwa Ibom State healthcare services. Dr. Udoh hopes to see subsequent governments sustain the AKISEMSAS program and construct befitting hospitals in the state capital.
“AKISEMSAS is probably the most commendable event in the health sector today. I hope it will be sustained by subsequent governments.”
“The Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Services’ contact numbers should be displayed at strategic places for citizens to call. If anyone has an accident on the street, someone can easily call. It’s quite commendable.
“However, they need to strengthen the healthcare system. You have an effective transport system to take people from the point of illness to another, but the question is, where are you taking them if the hospitals or clinics are not in good shape?”
“The idea and manifestation are noble, but we may not attain the required excellence if the places to admit patients are not worthy. Like Uyo, there’s no government hospital. St. Luke’s is owned by a church, and the Teaching Hospital has become despecialized because it was not supposed to handle all and sundry cases. It was supposed to handle special cases on referral. The newly proposed hospital, will it be affordable to everyone?”
However, the Health Commissioner praised Governor Eno for keeping his campaign promises to Akwa Ibom citizens on healthcare services, including improved welfare packages for health workers, a spike in Health Insurance Scheme enrollment, and an increase in Primary Healthcare Centre rehabilitation. Dr. John also envisages a General Hospital in Uyo under his watch and during Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The AKISEMSAS contacts are:
08000022322
08000022422
