July 16, (THEWILL) — Plans have been put in place for the Akwa Ibom State Government to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through medical tourism, with a 350-bed-space International Hospital with Robotic Surgical Centres, across the state.
The plans by the State Government were disclosed in a joint communique issued by the state Ministry of Health and medical stakeholders at the end of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health ARISE health sector town hall meeting and made available to THEWILL in Uyo.
According to the communique, “Ibom International Hospital”, the facility will be a 350-bed, nine-floor world-class quaternary health facility and a quaternary-level referral health facility and wellness centre for advanced clinical interventions, specialist care, and medical research.
The communique, jointly presented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel, State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Aniekan Peter, and the State Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm Abasiama Uwatt, listed other key features of the healthcare facility to include robotic surgical theatres, a helipad, multi-specialities, and modern diagnostics.
Presenting observations and deliberations from the meeting, the communique stated, “The meeting discussed in detail the Governor’s plan to build the Ibom International Hospital (IIH), a quaternary-level, referral health facility and wellness centre for advanced clinical interventions, specialist care, and medical research.
“Stakeholders noted with excitement the innovation and futuristic design-thinking embedded in the hospital blueprint, including robotic surgical theatres, a helipad, multi-specialities, and modern diagnostics.
“The meeting welcomed the sustainability framework of the project, which features A robust human resource training and recruitment plan; An alternative power solution via a 2MW solar farm; a green architectural design; A fully ICT-driven automated smart building; A post-commissioning management, operational, and business plan.
“Stakeholders received with satisfaction the explanation by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Delivery Advisor that this is coming side-by-side with the plans by the Government to revitalise the Ibom Multi-speciality Hospital and ensure it is re-focused to serve select specialities in medicine as part of the Ibom Medical City Corridor.
“Participants observed the commendable achievements of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA) since its launch in October 2024, particularly in improving access to affordable healthcare.
“The meeting took cognisance of the ongoing revitalisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the State, in line with the government’s primary healthcare strengthening agenda. Stakeholders examined and applauded the impact of the newly established Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS), which has delivered life-saving services since March 2025.
“The meeting acknowledged the establishment of critical State Task Forces under the Ministry of Health by the Governor, including: (A) The State Taskforce on Primary Health Care Services; (B) The State Taskforce on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods; (C) The State Taskforce on Monitoring of Private Health Facilities and Anti-Quackery.”
The stakeholders, however, commended the Governor for approving the recruitment of 1,000 health professionals and urged the relevant authorities to expedite the recruitment process without further delay.
THEWILL reports that, though viewed by critics as duplication of purpose, considering the yet-to-be-completed Ibom Multi-Speciality Hospital built by the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio, Ibom International Hospital has already received the endorsement of over 20 professional health associations, unions, and key stakeholders across the health sector in the state.
