Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has commissioned a 100-bed Renewed Hope Mother and Child Specialist Hospital at Oko Ita, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
Built under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the facility is aimed at delivering comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and paediatric healthcare services to residents of the area and neighbouring communities.
Inaugurating the hospital on Wednesday, Eno, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, commended President Tinubu for providing the resources for the construction and equipping of the facility, noting that the hospital would significantly complement his administration’s efforts in delivering affordable and quality healthcare services across the state.
“Our President understands that health is wealth. The commissioning of this hospital speaks to the President’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the people, especially those in rural areas, as well as his resolve to implement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on good health and well-being,” Governor Eno said.
He revealed that several model Primary Health Centres have already been established across the ten federal constituencies in the state. He also announced plans for the upcoming commissioning of a 350-bed Ibom International Multi-Specialist Hospital, aimed at boosting medical tourism in the state.
In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, stated that the ultramodern hospital is one of the many Mother and Child Centres built and fully equipped by her office in collaboration with sub-national governments. She said the initiative is parts of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality while improving access to essential healthcare services across the country.
She expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his steadfast support towards the implementation of the SDGs and for providing the necessary resources for the establishment of the facility, noting that a total of 45 such hospitals have been constructed across the country so far.
“Our 2024 SDGs Progress Report reveals sobering statistics. Maternal health indicators remain below target. This centre marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving SDG Goal 3,” she said.
The Special Assistant also urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts in promoting routine antenatal and postnatal care, enhancing skilled birth attendance through programmes such as the Midwives Service Scheme, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, and ensuring full immunisation coverage to safeguard children from preventable diseases.
She also praised Governor Eno for his people-centred governance approach and his dedication to fostering an enabling environment for developmental initiatives.
She pledged to work in partnership with the state government to provide residential quarters for medical personnel and additional facilities to elevate the hospital to general hospital standards.
Goodwill messages were received from the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South and Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson; a former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Legislative Matters, Senator Ita Enang; and the member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Ime Okon, among others.
The 100-bed facility is fully equipped with operating theatres, recovery rooms, delivery beds, laboratories and scanning rooms, emergency carts with full complements, ultrasound scanners, manual and electrical resuscitators, and other critical medical equipment.
