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Health
Shocking decay at Akwa Ibom's rural health centre highlights gaps in Eno healthcare reforms
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
31 Dec 2025 04:46 AM
Uyo, Akwa Ibom – MonITNG, a civic monitoring group has exposed the dire state of the Ikot Obio Edim Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, raising concerns about the implementation of healthcare funding in rural Akwa Ibom State despite the government's recent declaration of a health emergency and a massive budget increase.
Tracka, a project under BudgIT focused on tracking public projects, shared photographs and details from a recent community visit, describing the facility as being in "total shambles."
The centre serves over seven surrounding communities but suffers from severe infrastructural decay.
Key issues highlighted include leaking roofs that worsen during rainfall, collapsing ceilings, termite-damaged doors, and a non-functional theatre and ward. The facility has only two beds with worn-out mattresses, forcing staff to treat inpatients in the outpatient area.
There is no standard toilet system as patients and staff rely on a pit latrine and parts of the ward are used for storing firewood.
The group noted that overcrowding leads to patients sleeping on mats, chairs, or the bare floor, posing risks especially for pregnant women, children, and emergencies, often resulting in preventable deaths or long journeys to distant hospitals.
This comes amid Akwa Ibom State's efforts to overhaul its health sector.
In September 2025, Governor Pastor Umo Eno declared a one-year health emergency to accelerate reforms, including upgrading over 400 PHCs and 14 secondary facilities.
The state also approved a ₦695 billion supplementary budget, expanding the 2025 total to a record ₦1.65 trillion, with consistent health allocations of 11-11.6% in recent years above the national average but below the 15% Abuja Declaration target.
Tracka and associated advocates have urged Governor Eno, the state government, and federal health authorities to prioritize urgent renovations, proper sanitation, equipment provision, and better fund disbursement to grassroots levels.
As of now, there has been no public response from the governor or state officials to this specific case.
Critics argue that while urban and model facilities receive attention, rural PHCs like Ikot Obio Edim continue to lag, underscoring challenges in equitable healthcare delivery despite increased funding.
Residents deserve accessible and dignified services, the group emphasized.
Tracka, a project under BudgIT focused on tracking public projects, shared photographs and details from a recent community visit, describing the facility as being in "total shambles."
The centre serves over seven surrounding communities but suffers from severe infrastructural decay.
Key issues highlighted include leaking roofs that worsen during rainfall, collapsing ceilings, termite-damaged doors, and a non-functional theatre and ward. The facility has only two beds with worn-out mattresses, forcing staff to treat inpatients in the outpatient area.
There is no standard toilet system as patients and staff rely on a pit latrine and parts of the ward are used for storing firewood.
The group noted that overcrowding leads to patients sleeping on mats, chairs, or the bare floor, posing risks especially for pregnant women, children, and emergencies, often resulting in preventable deaths or long journeys to distant hospitals.
This comes amid Akwa Ibom State's efforts to overhaul its health sector.
In September 2025, Governor Pastor Umo Eno declared a one-year health emergency to accelerate reforms, including upgrading over 400 PHCs and 14 secondary facilities.
The state also approved a ₦695 billion supplementary budget, expanding the 2025 total to a record ₦1.65 trillion, with consistent health allocations of 11-11.6% in recent years above the national average but below the 15% Abuja Declaration target.
Tracka and associated advocates have urged Governor Eno, the state government, and federal health authorities to prioritize urgent renovations, proper sanitation, equipment provision, and better fund disbursement to grassroots levels.
As of now, there has been no public response from the governor or state officials to this specific case.
Critics argue that while urban and model facilities receive attention, rural PHCs like Ikot Obio Edim continue to lag, underscoring challenges in equitable healthcare delivery despite increased funding.
Residents deserve accessible and dignified services, the group emphasized.
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