The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for the implementation of universal healthcare standards across all medical facilities in Akwa Ibom State, emphasizing the need for consistent quality care regardless of a facility's location or classification.

Speaking to journalists in Uyo during a reception honoring newly appointed commissioners for medical and insurance sectors, NMA President Prof. Bala Audu stressed that all state-owned teaching hospitals must maintain standards befitting tertiary healthcare institutions.

"What I want the governor to do particularly is to ensure universal applicability of standards of health care across all the facilities of health care delivery systems in the state," Prof. Audu stated. "That means that all teaching hospitals owned by the state government must have a standard health care that is befitting of a tertiary hospital."

The NMA President elaborated that such standardization would require appropriate personnel, adequate buildings, and functional equipment to enable healthcare workers to effectively serve the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Prof. Audu also commended Governor Umo Eno for his health workforce retention policy, which prioritizes the welfare of medical personnel in the state. He acknowledged that while the shortage of medical doctors is a global challenge, employers of medical personnel, including governments at all levels, must focus on welfare to retain healthcare professionals.

"The health sector is part of Governor Umo Eno's ARISE agenda. I have seen what he has done in the healthcare sector. I have seen the health workforce retention policy," he noted. "In the healthcare sector, no matter what you do in terms of health infrastructure, in terms of equipping health facilities, you must make sure there is unity in all the health workforce, particularly the associations."

Dr. Aniekan Peter, Chairman of the NMA in Akwa Ibom State, expressed appreciation for Governor Eno's appointment of three commissioners with medical backgrounds to the state executive council. He pledged the association's support for both the commissioners and the governor to ensure that the healthcare needs of the people receive proper attention.

"We will stand with you and stand with your principal Umo Eno to ensure that the welfare of medical personnel is taken to its zenith and the health of our people guaranteed," Dr. Peter affirmed.

The NMA chairman also highlighted the success of the health center initiative introduced by the association in March this year, which has positively impacted many lives in the state. He added that ongoing collaboration with ECEWS and teaching hospitals would further extend healthcare benefits to rural communities across Akwa Ibom.