Idara Jerome, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has forwarded a bill to establish a State University Teaching Hospital and eight other health sector reform bills to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
The proposed legislation to establish the teaching hospital forms part of the ongoing health sector reform package designed to strengthen specialist healthcare, medical education and research, while improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery across the state.
The approval followed the consideration of the draft bills by the State Executive Council after a presentation by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, who said the reforms would also bolster disease prevention and public health response, expand health insurance coverage, improve healthcare regulation and enhance the training of medical professionals.
Among the proposed legislations are the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital Establishment Bill, 2026; Akwa Ibom State Public Health Security Bill, 2026; Healthcare Facilities and Service Standards, Monitoring and Accreditation Agency Bill, 2026; Health Insurance Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026; College of Health Technology Establishment Bill; College of Nursing Sciences (Amendment) and Bill, 2026;
Others include; Medical Residency Training Bill, 2026; Primary Healthcare Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency Bill, 2026.
If passed into law, the bills are expected to strengthen health institutions, improve the regulation of hospitals and healthcare facilities, enhance the management of medicines and medical supplies, reinforce primary healthcare services and create more opportunities for the training of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Describing the proposals as one of the state’s most ambitious health sector reform initiatives, John said the legislative package would provide the legal and institutional framework needed to modernise healthcare delivery.
“Taken together, these Bills constitute one of the most comprehensive health sector legislative reform packages in the history of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the reforms were designed to strengthen public health security, improve healthcare quality and regulation, expand universal health coverage through a stronger health insurance system, reinforce residency training and establish a University Teaching Hospital that would advance specialist healthcare, medical education and research.
The Executive Council also approved operational funding for the commencement of services at the Mother and Child Hospital, Okoita, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
Expressing confidence in the legislative process, John said: “I look forward to the consideration of these Bills by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and remain confident that their passage will provide a stronger legal and institutional foundation for a healthier, more prosperous and more resilient Akwa Ibom State.”
