Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has hailed Governor Umo Eno for instituting the state’s Emergency Medical Services and expanding Health Insurance Scheme to strengthen, boost access to quality healthcare and ensure faster response to emergencies.
Dr Ekem said this during the maiden congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the NUJ Secretariat, Uyo.
In his remarks, he disclosed that the state’s government through the Arise Agenda in March 2025, launched the Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Services, which have so far responded to over 600 emergency cases and has strengthened the healthcare system across the state.
The commissioner said the service currently runs with 31 ambulances covering Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi, and Oro Local Government Areas, adding that the target is to ensure an ambulance arrives within 30 minutes of a distress call.
According to him, the system is technology-driven, with dispatchers monitoring ambulances on screen until they reach their destinations, maintaining that once a patient is picked, they also monitor the quality of care given. “The ambulances are equally fitted with cameras to help us review feedback and address any lapses,” Dr. Emmanuel explained.
The commissioner noted that for critical emergencies, such as road accidents or cases involving women in labour, the state government covers the cost of treatment within the first 48 hours through the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme.
He asserted that Governor Umo Eno launched the insurance scheme in October 2024. With ₦18,000, individuals are entitled to comprehensive medical coverage, while ₦96,000 covers a family consisting of a husband, wife, and four biological children. Dr. Emmanuel urged journalists and residents to embrace the scheme, stressing that health insurance should not be sought only in times of illness.
Speaking further, he highlighted other health sector interventions, revealing that the state now operates three oxygen plants with a combined capacity of 250 cylinders, ensuring regular supply to both public and private hospitals, maintaining that
as part of efforts by the government to address manpower gaps, the governor approved the recruitment of 1,000 healthcare workers, alongside 2,000 personnel for other sectors.
On the recent maternal death at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, Dr. Emmanuel described the incident as “terrible and pathetic.” He dismissed reports that the hospital lacked blood supply, insisting that facilities were available. “I have retrieved the patient’s folder to ensure transparency, and a committee will be set up to investigate the case,” he stated.
The commissioner reiterated his commitment to paying unscheduled visits to hospitals across the state, formulating policies, and working with the governor to deliver on the health sector promises under the Arise Agenda, and submitted that it is not his duty to be appearing on media all the time to discuss issues.
“No one deserves to die while trying to bring another life to the world,” he said, assuring that measures including a committee has been set up to investigate the matter and to strengthen accountability in the system.
Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, thanked the Commissioner of Health for honoring the Union’s invitation and commended him for engaging directly with journalists.
He described the interface as timely, noting that the health sector is a matter of critical public concern. “We are glad you are here today to share firsthand information on the state government’s efforts in healthcare delivery, because this platform is not just for journalists; it is for the people of Akwa Ibom who rely on us to convey accurate, balanced, and timely reports,” he said.
Comrade John maintained that their duty as journalists is to bridge the gap between government and the people, and they will continue to play that role effectively.
The congress, presided over by the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Nsibiet John, featured the presentation of the August activity report by the State Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, as well as reports from various NUJ chapels, among other activities.
