SPOTLIGHTS
- The new Model Primary Health Centre aims to deliver quality healthcare services to Nsit Atai and surrounding communities
- The facility aligns with the administration’s ARISE Agenda and commitment to rural development
- The administration stressed the importance of community ownership and maintenance of the new health centre
From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State government has inaugurated a Model Primary Health Centre in the Nsit Atai council area as part of his administration’s rural development drive and healthcare improvement plan.
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, who represented Governor Umo Eno at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, explained that the Model Health Centre was designed to provide quality healthcare services to the people of Nsit Atai and surrounding communities, aiming to minimise infant and maternal mortality rates.
She noted that the Eno administration will continue working to provide essential social amenities and infrastructure in rural areas, aligning with the ARISE Agenda.
“I am excited because we are on track in the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, particularly the dimension that has to do with rural development,” Eyakenyi stated.
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“This administration does not embark on projects to score political points. We are intentional about enhancing the standard of living of the people. All our projects comply with global standards.
“It is impossible to talk about other areas of progress when sickness ravages the body unchecked. As we build roads, schools, markets and initiate numerous empowerment programmes for our people, we are conscious of the fact that they can only enjoy these things if they are healthy. This is why we are intentional about making healthcare accessible to all Akwa Ibom people, including those in rural communities.
“We are working towards a viable integrated healthcare delivery system, from primary to secondary before graduating to the highly sophisticated tertiary healthcare institutions. Without primary healthcare facilities, such as the one cited here, the other two levels will be unnecessarily overburdened or made ineffective,” he added.
The deputy governor further reiterated the Eno administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity in allocating government projects, ensuring no part of the state is marginalised.
While acknowledging the contributions of stakeholders and the community for their collaboration, she urged them to take ownership of the facility and ensure its maintenance.
“For the government’s efforts in this regard to be sustained for the maximum benefit of our people, the stakeholders must take ownership by ensuring the facilities are neither mismanaged nor vandalised. Development and true transformation will never take place if new projects don’t meet old facilities. Remember, if it is needed today, it will be much more needed in the future,” she said.
Presenting the project overview, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Augustine Umoh, revealed that the Model Health Centre is equipped with a pharmacy, laboratory, steady power supply, staff quarters, and other modern healthcare facilities.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing and Political Leader of the benefiting community, Otuekong Raphael Bassey, appreciated the governor for prioritising projects that address the health needs of the people.