A World Class Diagnostic Centre is to be established in Akwa Ibom State by the Federal Government to facilitate medical diagnosis and standardised health care delivery in the state.
The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac F. Adewole announced this at a Special Banquet held in his honour at Governor’s Lodge, Government House, Uyo.
The Minister who is on a two – day working visit to the State, said that the Federal Government holds the health of every citizen in high esteem and has accordingly earmarked funds for the upgrading of medical facilities across the country.
He said twelve Specialist Hospitals are to be established in the country to curtail expenditure on Medical tourism which he explained has gulp more than 5 million US Dollars annually and regretted that such funds could have been channeled to other development programmes to enhance the welfare of the citizens.
Professor Adewole specifically commended the establishment of Ibom Specialist Hospital by the State government saying it is a capital intensive initiative and pledged to partner the state in it development as one of the Specialist Hospitals having been equipped with facilities and personnel.
The Health Minister hinted that the Sovereign Wealth Investment Fund and National Health Insurance Scheme have indicated interest to invest in the Ibom Specialist Hospital adding that with the facility on ground, the State has positioned itself to provide quality health care services to the people.
Governor Emmanuel expressed appreciation for the visit and approval given by the Minister for the citing of a Diagnostic Centre in the state and described the Minister as erudite scholar with profound sense of patriotism who is concerned with the healthy living of Nigerians not minding where the facilities are located.
The Governor stated that the partnership would speed up his initial arrangement for an Air Ambulance Service and that the General Hospital at Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas are to be outsourced to investors to cater for the health needs of the people of those areas and those of neighbouring States.
The State Chief Executive called on other members of the Federal Executive Council to identify other sectors and liaise with the State in it development drive pointing out that the State is in dire need of development partners in areas of road construction to open up access with other states to the Ibom Specialist Hospital and other facilities.
Also the Senate Minority Leader Senator Godswill Akpabio said that the National Assembly is committed to transform Nigeria for the better and that the Assembly accords it blessing to every visible initiative that promote the oneness of the country.
He lauded the vision of the Health Minister and Governor Udom Emmanuel in their determination to reduce Medical tourism in the country and described them as square pegs in a square hole.
At the event, Akwa Ibom Saxaphonist David Eka and the Royal Nightingale, in their elegant costumes, spiced the night with melodious tunes.