By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has urged residents to increase their participation in the newly launched health insurance scheme, with 30,000 people already enrolled.
Governor Umo Eno also announced the distribution of 20 bags of rice to each of the state’s 2,272 gazetted villages, totaling 45,000 bags, as part of the 2024 Christmas celebration. The initiative, according to the Governor, is aimed at spreading joy during the festive season.
Speaking at the Exco Ministerial Briefings and End-of-Year Review in Uyo, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, emphasized the importance of the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme. He noted that the scheme is designed to prevent or mitigate catastrophic health expenditures while enhancing access to healthcare services. So far, 20,000 surgeries and 5,000 consultations have been conducted in state-controlled hospitals under the scheme.
Health Sector Achievements
Prof. Umoh highlighted several key milestones in the state’s health sector for the year, including:
- Model Health Facilities: Construction of modern primary health centers in rural areas.
- Medical Outreach: Over 10,000 residents participated in state-sponsored medical outreaches, which resulted in 1,000 successful surgeries.
- Child Health Initiatives: Deworming 1.4 million children, vaccinating 900,000 children through the integrated measles campaign, and providing Vitamin A supplements to over one million children.
- Educational Advancements: Accreditation and transition of the School of Nursing to Colleges of Nursing.
- Pandemic Preparedness: Maintaining pandemic surveillance and preventing outbreaks of communicable diseases.
Prof. Umoh also disclosed plans to revitalize and expand the Ibom Specialist Hospital to enhance its service delivery and achieve full business capacity.
Support for Vulnerable Groups
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan, outlined achievements and future plans to support vulnerable citizens. She revealed that 112 houses for vulnerable groups have been completed and handed over, with an additional 62 homes under construction. By 2025, the state aims to complete 200 houses for vulnerable residents.
Mrs. Akpan also commended Governor Eno for implementing various welfare programs, including a free food scheme under the Bulk Purchase Agency. “You have ensured that every Akwa Ibomite enjoys these benefits,” she stated, referencing:
- Monthly disbursement of ₦50,000 to 600 elderly citizens.
- Enrolling citizens in the Health Insurance Scheme.
- Approving monthly ₦50,000 payments to 15,000 youths.
She further noted that the ARISE Elderly Initiative and the Arise Business Development Scheme would continue in 2025.
Festive Cheer for Communities
Governor Eno assured residents that the distribution of Christmas rice would commence soon, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering joy and unity during the holiday season.
