(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/specialist-hospital.jpg) The Government of Akwa Ibom State has earmarked the sum of 12 billion naira to establish a Mega Specialist Hospital in Uyo the State Capital in its effort to stem the trend of seeking medical care abroad by its people as well as other Nigerians.
Briefing members of the National Good Governance Tour at the 20th Anniversary Specialist Hospital project site, the Consultant, Engr. Oliver Ebom said the facility is a brainchild of Governor Godswill Akpabio which was initiated to create a 5 star specialist hospital with services that rate with the highest global standards.
According to him, when completed the Hospital will have capacity for over 290 beds as well as 60 VIP wards, 6 operation theaters, MRI and CT scan sections, virology laboratory and modular theaters.
"All the theaters here are all modular. We are not building them on walls. We are bringing everything ready made to fit the highest specifications and standards. Everything here is based on European standards and we try as much as possible to be at par or if possible get beyond what is found in Europe", the project consultant said.
He said the feasibility study on the project was done by Germany based medical company, the Rappmannsberger Rehle and Partner (RRP) International Hospital Planners Pte Ltd and some Nigerian consulting companies.
According to him, the Hospital is to also have an elaborate staff quarters which is to be located behind the main Hospital complex for the housing of 60 major international consultants and top management staff.
The consultant further informed that provision is being made for adequate parking as well as a helipad.
In addition, the hospital is to have a services building for the kitchen, laundry and nursing training institute which is to be incorporated into the structure.
According to him, when the Hospital becomes operational, more than 70 percent of the take off staff will be those who have international experience and that they would be backed up by local staff.
"The purpose is that as time goes on, the whole cadre of senior Nigerian medical staff will be trained to take over and continue from there", he explained.
According to officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government, "the vision is to have a centre of excellence. A hospital with the most modern facilities in Nigeria. The best equipped in Nigeria, that is the vision. And we would take it a step further and ensure that we partner with one of the leading hospitals around the world in terms of management. Because we want to stop Nigerians from flying to India, to Dubai and to countries in Europe anytime they have medical challenges. So Akwa Ibom State even in terms of medical needs will become a destination for all Nigerians and even for other countries in Africa. It is only a matter of time".
It was disclosed that Akwa Ibom State has over 356 health facilities spread across all the local governments. Also five cottage hospitals have been built in all the senatorial districts.
The completion period is for the first quarter of 2014.
Commending the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku described the project as one for the future.
"There are so many hospitals in Nigeria that are specialising and which is good for our country. It is a country of over 167 million. So we need more hospitals. Even if you have two or three of this hospital in Uyo they will never be too much. You are talking of less than 300 bed space so we still need a lot of these hospitals.
"The Federal Government has been working through the Federal Ministry of Works to get investors who will also set up hospitals of this nature, one in each of the six geopolitical zones so that we can curtail medical tourism to India, to England and America. Because when you go there you will see most of the time it's Nigerians that would give you those specialised treatments because we have a very good network of medical specialists spread all over the world and they went there because the facilities at home were discouraging.
"So now we are heading there. Democracy is better. I must say that you just keep your eyes on the ball and just deliver this project by next year and while doing so work on the management structure because the efficiency will depend on how you manage this hospital. So you must get the partners who will work with you", Maku said.
He however stated that "those partners don't need to come from abroad. There are Nigerians running very big hospitals abroad so it is important we get this very right".
Click here for more pictures (http://fmi.gov.ng/media-center/galleria/photo-galleria/?file=National%20Good%20Governance%20Tour/NGGT%20AKWA%20IBOM%20STATE/UYO%20SPECIALIZED%20HOSPITAL%20%20/)
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria