Eno introduces rural allowance for doctors

Etim Ekpimah

Governor Umo Eno has announced plans to introduce rural allowances for doctors posted to underserved communities in Akwa Ibom State, saying the payments will be tied to monthly performance and attendance evaluations.

The governor disclosed this during the commissioning of a modern Primary Health Centre Operational Base in Oron Local Government Area, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.

Eno said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare services in rural communities, retain medical personnel and ensure efficient service delivery at government health facilities.

He also directed that all health centres across the state must have functional incubators, urging residents to report faulty medical equipment directly to his office or the Ministry of Health.

The governor further revealed that the Ibom International Hospital project would be officially flagged off in June, describing it as one of the most advanced healthcare facilities being developed in the country.

“In June, we will unveil the Ibom International Hospital, and it is a massive project. It is going to be one of the best hospitals Nigeria has,” he said.

Eno disclosed that his administration was currently commissioning 31 health centres and 31 primary schools across the state as part of the first phase of its development programme.

He stated that the projects reflected his administration’s determination to prioritise the health, welfare and security of Akwa Ibom people while fulfilling campaign promises made during the 2023 elections.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel, described the newly commissioned facility in Oron as one of the largest and most impactful primary healthcare projects undertaken by the state government.

According to him, the operational base includes an administrative complex, residential accommodation for healthcare personnel and other support facilities aimed at ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services.

He explained that the centre would now provide 24-hour healthcare services, unlike the previous facility in the area, where operations ended at 4 pm.

“This facility serves as the coordinating and service hub for primary healthcare activities within this axis,” Emmanuel said.

The commissioner added that the centre was fully equipped to provide maternal, reproductive, newborn and child healthcare services, including antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal services, routine immunisation and child growth monitoring.

He also disclosed that the facility houses a Food Demonstration Space and Nutrition Corner established to combat malnutrition and reduce child stunting through nutrition education and support services.

Emmanuel further announced that the Akwa Ibom State Government would commence the distribution of 3.9 million free insecticide-treated mosquito nets across the state from June 1 to June 30, adding that more than 3,500 residents had already been trained and engaged for the exercise.

Eno also assured residents that road rehabilitation projects within the area would commence soon, following discussions with the Commissioner for Works.

He acknowledged residents for their continued support and pledged that his administration would sustain the delivery of people-oriented projects across the state.