The future of healthcare delivery and workforce development took center stage on Tuesday as the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, held its 2026 Annual General Meeting opening ceremony and scientific conference in Uyo.
Discussions focused on practical strategies for strengthening health systems, empowering the healthcare workforce, and preparing the state for emerging epidemics. The conference drew a broad spectrum of medical professionals, including commissioners, permanent secretaries, medical superintendents, consultants, resident doctors, and house officers.
Nearly 500 medical doctors filled the Jacksonville Event Hall for what was described as the largest gathering of physicians in the state. Among the dignitaries present were the immediate past Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh; the current Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John; Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem; and Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong.
Three prominent health experts presented papers that participants said could serve as a framework for future healthcare policy and quality service delivery in Akwa Ibom State.
Dr. Etiemana Jacob, Consultant Anaesthetist and Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS), presented a paper titled “Rapid Response System for Emerging Public Health Threats.” He highlighted the state’s investment in ambulance and emergency response services, revealing that 1,276 emergency cases had been transported through the system from March2025 to July 2026. According to him, 553 cases involved labour and maternal health emergencies, making them the largest category of responses, while 205 cases were related to motor vehicle crashes, the second-highest category.
Dr. Igbemi Igbemi, Public Health Physician and Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), delivered a presentation on “Optimizing Health Insurance for Better Outcomes.” He advocated universal mobilization and mandatory enrollment in health insurance schemes, income-proportional contributions, strategic purchasing, and improved provider payment mechanisms. He also disclosed that the agency was strengthening measures aimed at reducing fraudulent claims by healthcare providers.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Uwemedimuk Ekanem, Professor of Community Medicine at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, spoke on “The Future of Healthcare in Akwa Ibom State: Strengthening Systems, Empowering the Workforce and Emergency Preparedness to Emerging Epidemics.” She structured her presentation around the World Health Organization (WHO) health systems framework, emphasizing service delivery, health workforce development, health information systems, access to essential medicines, vaccines and health technologies, health financing, leadership and governance, as well as community partnerships.
Drawing from personal observations, Prof. Ekanem commended the commitment of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Akwa Ibom State for remaining operational on public holidays and Saturdays.
Akwa Ibom State PHCs are very effective treatment centers
“They help shift the burden away from secondary and tertiary health institutions. That is exactly how the system should function. If health systems are to be resilient, all tiers of healthcare must be strengthened. PHC strengthening is the bedrock of a resilient healthcare system,” she said.
Speaking before the keynote address, Dr. Ekem John, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, praised the organizers of the 2026 NMA AGM led by Dr. Edikan Ackley. He urged medical practitioners to uphold professional ethics in order to sustain public trust and support the realization of Governor Umo Eno’s healthcare reform agenda for the state.
In his remarks, Prof. Aniekan Peter, Chairman of the NMA Akwa Ibom State branch, said the AGM was more than a constitutional gathering, describing it as a reflection of the association’s unity, progress, achievements, and determination to shape the future of healthcare in the state.
“You can see the unity within the association. I met a fragmented association where some members had completely lost interest. Today, every member is proud of the NMA. We have been able to secure improved welfare for doctors working with the state government,” he said.
Prof. Peter also expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for approving a take-off grant for the proposed Medical School at Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).
“I used to feel deeply concerned seeing Akwa Ibom children studying courses such as Biology when they could study Medicine, or Physics when they could pursue Physiotherapy, or Botany when they could study Medical Laboratory Science,” he stated.
He argued that medical and allied health courses offer more immediate employment opportunities for young people, unlike many other disciplines where graduates may remain unemployed for 10 years.
“We asked for three medical schools, and the governor has already approved one. Akwa Ibom can train and export doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists to the rest of the world, while their families back home benefit from the economic returns. It is a model similar to what India has successfully developed. We are also encouraged by the governor’s plan to build a medical city,” Prof. Peter added.
The week-long activities marking the 2026 AGM of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch continue with visits to ailing doctors and revered medical elders, on Wednesday. Indoor games and chess competitions are scheduled for Thursday. The programme will proceed on Friday with the Annual General Meeting of the NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch, while the climax of the event will feature the State Officers Committee (SOC) elections, inauguration of the newly elected executive council, a dinner, and an award night. The AGM week will conclude with a Thanksgiving Service at Church of God Mission, Enen Afaha in Uyo on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
