UNFPA and Norwegian Government delegation visit to commission health facilities in Akwa Ibom State

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Leadership

Leadership driving a healthier Akwa Ibom

Coordinating policy, healthcare delivery, public-health programmes and stronger health systems across the state.

Executive Governor

Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D

The declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Umo Eno has lead to massive transformations in the healthcare landscape in Akwa Ibom State under the ARISE agenda.

Honourable Commissioner for Health

Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John

The Commissioner of Health is a young, energetic, dynamic leader whose passion for improving healthcare delivery is evident in every initiative and reform undertaken, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, efficiency, and the well-being of the people while driving impactful policies that strengthen the health system and inspire confidence across the state.

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AKS Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems ambulances

AKS Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS)

The service ensures timely ambulance deployment, pre-hospital care, and safe patient transportation. AKISEMSAS strengthens the state’s healthcare system by improving emergency preparedness and saving lives.

Ibom International Hospital: Akwa Ibom's Leap Into the Future of Health Care

Ibom International Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical facility that will provide world-class healthcare services to the people of Akwa Ibom State and beyond. The hospital will be equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals, offering a wide range of medical specialties and services. It will serve as an international center of excellence for healthcare delivery, research, and training.

Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production (AKSMOPP)

Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production Plant (AKSMOPP) strengthens the state’s healthcare system by ensuring a reliable supply of medical oxygen. The facility supports hospitals

Model Primary Healthcare Facilities

It provide accessible and quality healthcare services at the community level. They are equipped with modern medical equipment and skilled health professionals to deliver essential health services.

Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA)

AKSHIA is the state body which provides insurance coverage for health care and related services. Through these offerings, we improve and protect the health and financial security of consumers, families, businesses and communities of the state. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that improve affordability, value, access, and well-being for consumers.

Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health complaints contact numbers

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If you experience any issues or have concerns about the care you received in any hospital across Akwa Ibom State, please report them through the appropriate channels rather than taking matters into your own hands. A prompt response is guaranteed. Every complaint submitted will be properly recorded, carefully investigated, and handled in line with established procedures. Health workers, patients, caregivers, and members of the public are strongly encouraged to make use of the designated contact numbers whenever the need arises so that concerns can be addressed and healthcare services across the state can continue to improve.

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The Nation's Health Minister Prof Ali Pate on March 1st 2025 made the above comments about the Hon. Commissioner for Health Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, during the commissioning of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS).

This Emergency Ambulance Service have been involved in many emergency situations that lives were saved. Like the case of an accident along Oron Road, where the ambulance arrived within 5 minutes to stabilize a young lady severely injured in a tricycle (keke) collision before rushing her to the hospital.

On another occasion, during a Secondary School Crisis in Mar. 2025, an ambulance was deployed with medical teams to stabilize and treat students who collapsed during a chaotic standoff and stampede along Oron road.

The man we are spotlighting today Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John was and is still able to interprete His Excellency the Governor's vision and this Emergency Ambulance Service was his brain child.

As His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, steadily advances laudable health care reforms and developing a viable and futuristic health care ecosystem in Akwa ibom State, we spotlight and appreciate this Medical Professional who is making sure His Excellency's vision in the health Sector is given adequate supervision to ensure effective and timely delivery of all the Health components of the Arise Agenda.

A medical doctor, public administrator, and trusted confidant of His Excellency, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John currently serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Akwa Ibom State, having been appointed into the State Executive Council in February 2025. Before his elevation to the cabinet, he served faithfully as Senior Special Assistant and Personal Physician to Governor Umo Eno, PhD, where his professionalism, discretion and dedication earned him the confidence and trust of the Governor.

Though relatively young in the political space, Dr. Ekem John a former Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association ( NMA) Akwa Ibom State chapter, is not new to leadership and service. His record of excellence dates back to his undergraduate days at the University of Port Harcourt, where he distinguished himself as a student leader. According to Professor Otu Ekpenyong of the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. John demonstrated exceptional organizational ability, a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment to the welfare of others—qualities that have continued to define his professional and public life.

As a medical practitioner, he brought to public service not only technical expertise but also compassion and a profound understanding of the healthcare needs of ordinary citizens.

Upon his appointment as Commissioner for Health, he assumed responsibility for one of the most critical sectors of Government. Since then, he has worked closely with His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, to implement far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring confidence in public healthcare delivery and strengthening healthcare institutions across the State.

Under his watch, the Ministry of Health has continued to pursue the ARISE Agenda's vision of accessible and affordable healthcare for all. The administration has expanded primary healthcare infrastructure, strengthened the State Health Insurance Scheme, and sustained counterpart funding for critical programmes such as immunization, nutrition, family planning and primary healthcare development.

One of the remarkable features of his stewardship has been his commitment to healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural communities. Representing Governor Umo Eno at the commissioning of the Model Primary Health Centre in Utu Ikot Okpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Dr. Ekem John reiterated Government's commitment to universal health coverage and quality healthcare delivery across the thirty-one local government areas of the State.

As Chairman of the inter-ministerial steering committee on the health emergency declared by Government, he has provided leadership in the implementation of policies aimed at upgrading health facilities and recruiting additional healthcare personnel to strengthen service delivery.

In line with his passion for institutional reforms, Dr. Ekem John introduced innovative measures to improve accountability and efficiency within the Ministry, including the deployment of biometric attendance and electronic access control systems aimed at promoting discipline and enhancing operational standards across health facilities.

His tenure has also witnessed strategic partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health and development agencies to strengthen healthcare systems and equip health managers with the skills required to deliver sustainable improvements in healthcare services.

Similarly, through collaboration with the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) and other partners, efforts have been intensified towards the digitization of healthcare services and the provision of internet infrastructure in healthcare facilities across the State, thereby positioning Akwa Ibom among the leading states embracing digital health innovations.

Dr. Ekem John has also been vocal in defending and communicating Government's healthcare policies. He has consistently reassured Akwa Ibom people of Government's commitment to revitalizing the Ibom Specialist Hospital and completing the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital project, thereby sustaining public confidence in the sector.

In recent times, he has championed initiatives aimed at expanding dialysis services and improving access to specialized healthcare across the ten federal constituencies of the State, demonstrating a strategic approach to healthcare planning and delivery.

Outside Government, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John is reputed for his commitment to educational advancement through the Ekem Emmanuel John Foundation, which provides academic support grants to students from Oruk Anam Local Government Area, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of education and human capital development.

Like every successful administration, the ARISE Agenda requires men and women of competence, loyalty and vision. In Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, Governor Umo Eno has found not just a physician, but a dependable ally and a committed reformer determined to translate the Governor's vision into tangible outcomes in the health sector.

His calm disposition, youthful energy, and unwavering commitment to duty have continued to earn him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders within and outside Government.

As the Appreciation Series continues to celebrate those contributing to the success of the ARISE Agenda, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John stands out as one of the emerging technocrats helping to shape the future of healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State.

To His Excellency's trusted physician as he then was, loyal ally and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, whom His Excellency sometimes jokingly refers to as "handicapped" we appreciate and thank you for your service to Akwa Ibom State. We thank God you can walk again, you will never walk alone.

Take your flowers!

Safety Audit

Leadership driving a healthier Akwa Ibom

Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D

Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John

Health programmes that reach people

AKS Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS)

Ibom International Hospital: Akwa Ibom's Leap Into the Future of Health Care

Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production (AKSMOPP)

Model Primary Healthcare Facilities

Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA)

Any Complaint?

Disease outbreak & health updates

Stay informed during disease outbreaks

Protect yourself and your community

Reliable information from trusted sources

Find healthcare services across Akwa Ibom

Got comments, recommendations or reports?

Ibom International Hospital

Ibom International Hospital

Quaternary-level referral Centre

JCI-Accredited International Quaternary-Level Referral Centre

One of the components of the Ibom Medical City situated along the Medical Corridor.

Specialties

Infrastructure

Key Equipment

Future Facilities

THE GOVERNOR'S PPG CUM AKS HEALTH OFFICER-IN-CHIEF: DR. EKEM EMMANUEL JOHN