150,000 Benefit from Health Insurance Scheme in 2025 – AKS Health Commissioner
…as Akwa Ibom takes delivery of new 128-slice CT scan machine for Ibom Specialist Hospital
The Akwa Ibom State Government has recorded notable progress in the health sector, with thousands of residents benefitting from the State Health Insurance Scheme and continued investments aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, made this known on Wednesday during a sector-wide review and annual performance assessment involving heads of departments, programme coordinators and technical leads of the Ministry of Health.
Dr Ekem said the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration has introduced reforms focused on performance and accountability, with clear results already being recorded across the sector.
According to him, the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme has so far enrolled over 170,000 people, with about 150,000 beneficiaries already accessing healthcare services in accredited health facilities across the state. He stated that 29,000 civil servants have been enrolled out of an estimated workforce of 52,000, alongside about 78,000 dependants made up of spouses and children.
The Commissioner explained that the scheme also extends to retirees, with over 68 retired permanent secretaries currently enrolled. He added that all inmates in the four correctional centres in Akwa Ibom State have been captured under the programme.
He further disclosed that more than 5,000 motherless babies have been enrolled since registration began in April last year, while over 53,000 vulnerable persons including pregnant women, children under five, the elderly and persons living with disabilities are currently benefitting from the scheme at no cost.
Dr Ekem noted that enrolment guarantees access to healthcare services, as beneficiaries are issued health insurance cards which are presented at accredited health facilities for treatment after due verification.
On funding, he revealed that the agency paid over ₦147 million for healthcare services accessed by vulnerable groups between January and December 2025, while more than ₦79 million was paid for services utilised by the formal sector. He added that total expenditure on healthcare services under the scheme in 2024 exceeded ₦679 million.
Speaking on services covered, the Commissioner said the scheme provides support for surgical care for newborns with congenital conditions, caesarean sections and free deliveries. He disclosed that 489 women have undergone caesarean sections, while over 1,000 women have delivered safely under the scheme at no cost.
Addressing public concerns, Dr Ekem assured that the agency remains open to constructive feedback, noting that its website and information platforms have been updated following recent reviews, in line with efforts to improve service delivery.
He added that awareness campaigns are being strengthened through radio programmes, print media and collaboration with the Ministry of Information, traditional institutions and community structures. He said enrolment forms have been distributed to primary healthcare centres across the state, while offices are being set up in all 10 federal constituencies.
On the contribution structure, Dr Ekem explained that individuals in the informal sector can enrol for ₦18,000 per year, while civil servants contribute five per cent of their basic salary through monthly deductions, covering themselves, their spouses and up to four children. He added that vulnerable groups are enrolled free of charge.
In a related development, the Commissioner announced a new phase of reforms aimed at improving accountability, efficiency and service delivery in the health sector, warning that complacency and poor performance will no longer be tolerated.
“This year comes with new standards and a stronger focus on results. Every unit must show impact. Performance will determine continuity,” he said.
Dr Ekem explained that the review session was organised to assess achievements, identify gaps and realign priorities, stressing that progress would now be judged by visible improvements in healthcare services rather than routine administrative activities.
As part of the state’s response to the declared State of Emergency in the health sector, the Commissioner announced that the Akwa Ibom State Government has purchased and taken delivery of a new 128-slice CT scan machine for the Ibom Specialist Hospital. He said the equipment will reduce referrals outside the state, improve diagnosis and expand access to quality healthcare for residents.
According to him, the acquisition reflects the commitment of Governor Umo Eno to upgrading healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that residents can access advanced diagnostic services within the state.
