The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has disclosed that it has budgeted N600 million to improve the state’s healthcare facilities.
Mr. Moses Essien, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health and a representative of the YPP-Ibiono constituency, made the announcement during a media conference with journalists in Uyo on Friday.
He emphasised that the cash will be used to maintain and improve state-owned healthcare institutions in all three senatorial districts.
The fund allocation
Essien emphasised the state’s commitment to healthcare development, pointing out that about 85 percent of the 2024 budget is set aside for facility upgrades at Akwa Ibom hospitals.
Furthermore, Essien informed the people that the maternal and child hospital project, started by the previous administration, will be finished by the end of this year.
He explained that the project is a joint effort between the Federal Government’s MDG programme and the state government, rather than being entirely sponsored by the state government.
In response to concerns about the project’s progress, Essien stated, “As chairman of the House Committee on Health in the State House of Assembly, I have engaged with the commissioner for health on numerous occasions, and I have personally met with the governor, who has assured me of the hospital’s completion.”
He added, “In the 2024 budget, a specific allocation has been set aside for the hospital’s completion, and I have full confidence that the project will be completed before the end of the year.”