The Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo, is without comparison in Nigeria in terms of structures, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said. “Visiting the hospital complex today is an eye opener and as far as I know, there is no such complex like this anywhere in Nigeria,” the minister said while inspecting facilities at the Akwa Ibom State Government-owned hospital.

Prof. Adewole promised that the Federal Government will partner with the Akwa Ibom State Government on the operation of the hospital, noting that “with the facilities at Ibom Specialist Hospital, medical tourism abroad can be reversed.”

“With the proposed partnership, no Nigerian would be allowed to go abroad for treatment on government sponsorship from Jan. 2017,” the minister said, adding:

“We will partner to make sure that it works and reverses medical tourism. People from Ghana and Togo can come to Nigeria for medical treatment. We will start using this facility and with these facilities, no Nigerian will be allowed to go abroad for treatment.”

He warned medical doctors to desist from running a syndicate of sending people abroad for treatment for pecuniary interest, noting that individuals could go abroad on their own expenses if they so wish but not on government sponsorship.

Reacting to Prof. Adewole’s assessment of the hospital, the Akwa Ibom Professional Forum (AKIPROF) has called on those who accused immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, of not doing anything in the state, particularly in the health sector, to tender a public apology and pray for forgiveness from God and the people for their campaign of falsehood and hatred against the Senate Minority Leader.

“Those who have been encouraging and spreading lies and total falsehood on the incomparable achievements of the former governor should seek forgiveness from God and man or bury their heads in shame,” AKIPROF said in a statement signed by its national president, Pastor Odudu Udofia.

The group thanked the health minister for publicly recognising the effort of Akpabio at providing world- class facilities in the health sector, and not play politics because of political differences.

“We thank Professor Adewole for his sense of patriotism, statesmanship and responsibility. He has finally put to rest the erroneous belief in some quarters that the much talked about Specialist Hospital established by the Akpabio-led administration only existed on papers and that the equipment said to have been put in place were all hired and had since been returned to the real owners,” AKIPROF said.

•Photo shows Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo.