Weekly Discovery

AKHA Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Samuel Ikon, flanked by Rt. Hon. Mrs. Ekaette Ebong

 Okon and Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, Members Representing; Itu and Nsit Ubium State Constituencies, respectively

 

THREE GENERAL HOSPITALS TO BE UPGRADED IN AKWA IBOM

Three existing General Hospitals in Akwa Ibom State are to be upgraded to the status of a specialist hospital by the government.

The three hospitals are General Hospital Ikot Ekpene, Emmanuel Hospital, Eket, and General Hospital, Iquita Oron.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ememabasi Bassey dropped the hint while defending the budget proposal for the Health Ministry for the year 2014 before the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

While reviewing the year 2013 budget for the Ministry, the Commissioner noted that out of the N17billion appropriated, N9.7billion was released lamenting the shortfall in revenue for the ministry as a result of the lost of accreditation by nine out of the ten nursing schools in the state.

The Commissioner also informed the Committee that the ministry intends to expand the scope so far covered under the free health programme of the state government. According to him, the free health policy started with 62 hospitals but presently has 127 facilities offering free medical services to pregnant women, children under five and elders above 70 years. “We are not satisfied with the number that is why in 2014 we are targeting 205 facilities”.

He also hinted that in 2014, Akwa Ibom State will host the 57 National Council of Health Conference in Uyo and called for timely release of appropriated funds for the ministry.

Earlier, the Chairman, Hospital Management Board, Sir Valentine Attah had informed the Committee of dearth of personal to man the infrastructure put in place by the government. He also called for proper outlining of role between the Ministry of Health and the Hospital Management Board to avoid duplication of duties especially as that is no longer allowed in the budgeting process as prescribed by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee Hon (Barr) pointed out the over lapping roles played by both the Ministry of Health and the Hospital Management Board saying, such double entry is not allowed under IPSAS.