The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish more medical training institutions to tackle the growing shortage of healthcare workers across the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo during activities marking the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the Akwa Ibom NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, said the state has consistently struggled to recruit enough healthcare professionals.
He disclosed that although Governor Umo Eno approved the recruitment of 400 medical doctors and 700 nurses, many positions remained vacant until the recruitment requirements were relaxed.
Prof. Peter said the long-term solution is for the government to establish at least seven medical training institutions, stressing that investing in medical education would guarantee a steady supply of healthcare personnel.
The NMA commended Governor Eno for approving a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University but maintained that one institution is not enough to meet the state’s healthcare needs.
The association noted that facilities such as the General Hospitals in Ikot Ekpene and Eket, as well as the Ibom Specialist Hospital, could be upgraded into medical training centres for doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.
