Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared a state of emergency in the health sector, a move aimed at fast-tracking reforms and improving medical services across the state.
The announcement followed the State Executive Council meeting held on Saturday at Government House, Uyo. Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, briefed reporters after the meeting, explaining that the decision was part of the governor’s plan to realign the state’s healthcare system with his administration’s ARISE agenda.
Umanah said the emergency declaration comes with major directives, including a broad upgrade of medical facilities. He also confirmed that the healthcare recruitment portal has been reopened to engage 2,000 workers, adding that the governor ordered the removal of the voters’ identity card requirement for applicants.
“The governor has directed the upgrading of health training institutions, fresh enrolment of professionals, and the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on contract,” Umanah stated.
To ensure proper execution, the state government also set up an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee made up of representatives from relevant ministries and agencies. The committee will monitor and coordinate the rollout of the emergency measures.
