By Honesty Victor
The proposed Ibom International Hospital, a state-of-the-art, 350-bed, nine-floor facility initiated by the Governor Umo Eno led administration to advance healthcare and medical tourism in Akwa Ibom, on Tuesday received a boost as the Joint Ministerial Supervisory Committee on the project, visited the site to have a progress report on the pre-foundational work by the contracting firm – Tokiye International Medical Services, TIMS.
The inspection team led by the Chairman of the Committee and Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel and the Alternate Chairman/Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Emem Almond Bob, also had a technical meeting with the contractor and consulting firm – ORNEL Design Consultant, where presentations were made, works appraised, and targets set within the approved timelines.
On site, the team was taken round the different components of the project (wing A, B, C) including the fabrication and preparation of the pile reinforcement, batching plant and the actual drilling of piles.
Speaking shortly after the inspection, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, stated that the timeline agreed upon by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, has not shifted, adding that the contractor understands that the 18-month period is sacrosanct.
”There is absolutely no cause for concern. The level of progress achieved so far is excellent. I am particularly encouraged by the quality of work on site, the professionalism displayed, and the number of personnel, unskilled, semi skilled and skilled personnel actively engaged.
”We are satisfied with what we have seen and will report back positively to His Excellency. I must sincerely commend the Governor for his vision. Seeing the massive construction activities, the heavy equipment on ground, and the large workforce already employed, it is clear that only a visionary leader could initiate and drive such a transformative project,” said the Health Commissioner.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob, appreciated the Governor for his people-oriented projects and specifically thanked him for envisaging a medical city within the medical corridor that will end medical tourism abroad while boosting the economy of the State.
”This is one project that will end medical tourism abroad. It will attract the eyes of the world and it will turn around the economy of the state medical wise,” Bob stated.
He also expressed satisfaction at the pace of work by the contractor and called for a robust synergy between the company and the consultant in ensuring that specifications are adhered while quality is maintained.
The Consultant in charge of the project, Architect Iniobong Orok FNIA, of ORNEL Design, and Engr. Ufouma Userwhoro of Tokiye International Medical Services, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in their capacity to handle the project, and promised to work inline with the stipulated timeline to deliver the project.
Present at the inspection were the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on the Project, Prof. Augustine Umoh, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Special Duties, Engr. Udosen Udoh, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Essiet, SSA on Technical Matters to the Governor, Engr. Charles Okorie among others.
