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Akwa Ibom State government has taken further steps to overhaul its healthcare system, with Governor Umo Eno approving the transmission of nine health sector reform bills to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
The proposed legislations, described in a statement by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, as far-reaching, seek to strengthen disease prevention and public health response, improve the quality of healthcare services, expand health insurance coverage, boost the training of medical professionals and establish a legal framework for a University Teaching Hospital in the state.
The approval was granted after the State Executive Council considered the draft bills presented by the Health Commissioner, and directed that they be forwarded to the legislature for debate and possible passage into law.
The bills are the 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 and College of Nursing Sciences (Amendment) Bill, 2026;
Others include: Medical Residency Training Bill, 2026; Primary Healthcare Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency Bill, 2026; and the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital Establishment Bill, 2026.
If enacted, the proposed laws are expected to reshape healthcare administration in the state by strengthening health institutions, improving the regulation of hospitals and medical facilities, ensuring better management of medicines and health supplies, supporting specialist healthcare and creating more opportunities for the training of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Speaking on the reforms, Dr John said the package represents one of the state’s most ambitious legislative efforts in the health sector.
“Taken together, these Bills constitute one of the most comprehensive health sector legislative reform packages in the history of Akwa Ibom State.”
He explained that the proposed laws are intended to strengthen public health security, improve healthcare quality and regulation, expand universal health coverage through a stronger health insurance system, enhance the education and training of healthcare workers, reinforce residency training and provide the legal foundation for the establishment of a University Teaching Hospital that would advance specialist healthcare, medical education and research.
Beyond the legislative reforms, 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, a development expected to improve access to maternal and child healthcare for residents of the area and neighbouring communities.
Expressing optimism over the next stage of the process, the commissioner said he was confident the House of Assembly would give the bills the attention they deserve.
“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.”
