Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has unveiled plans to introduce rural allowance payments for medical doctors assigned to underserved communities. The initiative aims to incentivize healthcare professionals to work in remote areas, with the allowance contingent on monthly performance evaluations and attendance monitoring.
The governor made this known during the inauguration of a Primary Health Centre operational base in Oron Local Government Area on Tuesday. He also revealed that the Ibom International Hospital will be officially launched in June, describing it as one of the nation’s top-tier healthcare facilities.
“We are finalizing arrangements to start paying rural allowances to doctors in rural posts. Please note that these payments will depend on monthly checks of performance and attendance,” Governor Eno stated.
Expressing gratitude to the public for their unwavering support for him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly during the recent All Progressives Congress primaries, the governor pledged continued dedication to public service. “The reward for good work is more work, and by God’s grace, we will keep giving our best to serve you,” he affirmed.
Earlier, Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem Emmanuel explained that the newly commissioned health facility is more than a building—it includes an administrative block and staff housing to enable round-the-clock healthcare delivery. He also announced that the state government will distribute 3.9 million free insecticide-treated mosquito nets statewide from June 1 to June 30. Over 3,500 residents have already been trained and deployed for this campaign.