Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday lauded Akwa Ibom government for its investment in secondary healthcare as he inaugurated 117 years old remodeled Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, the ninth to witness a complete overhaul by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
He has also called on governments to strengthen health infrastructure that would address the healthcare needs of the people and meet the United Nations target on health.
This is even as he has said that COVID-19 pandemic has put into the consciousness of everyone including administrators, politicians and professionals that health related issues should no longer be taken for granted.
The Former President commended Emmanuel for the provision of health infrastructures adding that health security remained paramount in national security of the country.
“Let me thank the governor for making it possible for me to link with this project, a hospital that has history, that has been completely renovated, redesigned, reconfigured for effective health care delivery.
“It is a good way to start the programme that has actually brought me that is to partner with the NMA in their annual programme and it is good that we are starting the health week with the commissioning to meet the health needs of the people
“We commend the governor because health is key, when you are talking about national security, the health security is quite prominent, the Covid 19 pandemic has opened the eyes of everybody be you professionals, politicians, administrators that health in the nation is key and we have to do everything possible to strengthen the infrastructure to deliver the health needs and based on UN provisions, health is a human right issue, we thank the governor for providing this facility”.
Earlier, in his speech, the Governor who was represented by the state deputy governor Me Moses Ekpo, explained that the commissioning is a fulfilment of his campaign promises to the people
“The commissioning of this General Hospital is a fulfilment of a campaign promise I made, to establish world class secondary health care facilities (general hospitals) in all ten Federal Constituencies in the State. With today’s event, we have completed and commissioned to the glory of God, all but one, (Ikot Abasi) whose work is on-going
.”We have committed enormous resources in upgrading or reconstruction of health care facilities, given my acute belief that three fundamental elements determine and shape the Social Contract: Security of lives and property, healthy population and manpower development.
“We have tackled these three crucial areas with messianic zeal and the results are there for any discerning or dispassionate mind and eye to see.” He said.
State Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh , in his remarks, said the commissioning of the facility represents a milestone in the Governor’s commitment to the health needs of the people.
