In tandem with adding value to health care delivery services in the state, the UUTH has opened its first rural health centre at Ikot Akpamba in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, commissioned by the board chairman, UUTH, B. Otepeye
The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Etete Peters who led his management team as well as other board members and staff to the commissioning, said it has been the desire of management to bring health centres to the rural areas, in all the senatorial district of the state.
According to the Chief Medical Director, the Comprehensive Health Centres will be a mini teaching hospital as manpower and facilities will be deployed to the health centres. Prof. Peters commended the efforts of the project facilitator who is also the Medical Director, Mount Zion Clinic, Calabar, Dr. Etuk Idem for spear-heading the gesture for the benefit of the community.
He also thanked the Exxon-Mobil for their support and co-operation in providing basic health facilities to the centre and the community for accepting the partnership. Prof. Peters however urged the people of Ikot Akpamba to co-operate in ensuring the safety of equipment and deployed staff, assuring them of vacancies to be given to the host community.
On his part, the state commissioner for health, Dr. Emem-abasi Bassey said the ministry of health is committed to assist, since the health sector is topmost on government agenda, adding that in partnership with UUTH, the community and neighbouring communities will benefit from the project.
Dr. Bassey thanked the co-operation of partners as well as the community, appealing to them to protect the facilities from vandals. He further appealed to resident doctors to suspend the strike action and owe the sense of responsibility for the service of humanity.
The Paramount Ruler, HRM, Edidem Solomon Etuk who was represented by Chief Udoewa, the Eteidung of Ibiomin thanked the UUTH for accepting to run the centre, he expressed delight to the project facilitator and Exxon-Mobil for bringing and making Ikot Akpamba, the first community out of the three senatorial districts. According to him, the project will bring in more development and employment opportunity to the people of the area.
He further appealed to the management to monitor the affairs of the deployed Doctors and Nurses for the benefit of the Centre.
Engr. Imoh Ekaette in a vote of thanks, thanked the UUTH for taking over as well as the project facilitator and Exxon-Mobil for making the project a reality in Ikot Akpamba, being the first to benefit in the gesture. He further ensured the security of the facility as well as safety of deployed staff.
The colourful event was witnessed by guests, representatives of Exxon-Mobil, distinguished sons and daughters of host and neighbouring communities.
