By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government said it has released N132m for maintenance of General Hospitals across the 31 local councils of the state.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo yesterday during the inaugural inter mnisterial briefing, Health commissioner, Prof Augustine Umoh maintained that Governor Udom Emmanuel was committed to health care delivery in the state .
Umoh explained that the state government was aware of shortage of Nurses and Midwives in the health sector adding that the shortfall of medical personnel has been addressed through employment of over 300 Doctors and Nurses in hospitals.
He observed that the number of recruited medical personnel was not still enough adding thay government has planned to bring back retired midwives who are still strong to support existing ones in the health service.
” The Ministry of Health will soon bring back retired Midwives who are still strong into the state hospital service.Government will pay them stipend to encourage them in contributing through their acquired experiences in the health sector.
” However , more health personnel would be employed to ensure efficient health care delivery in the state.” The commissioner stated.
Umoh reeled out achievements of Emmanuel in the health sector in the last 8 years to include renovation of hospitals and construction of new ones , Remodelling of General Hospitals in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Anua, procurement of medical equipment , recruitment of health personnel as well as effective management of COVID-19 pandemic among others.
