By Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Chairman of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Akwa Ibom State Branch, Dr. Edikan Ackley, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for approving the recruitment of health workers, describing the move as unprecedented and a major boost to the state’s healthcare system.
Dr. Ackley gave the commendation while speaking with journalists shortly after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch, conducted its branch election at the Doctors’ Mess in Uyo.
The medical practitioner, who also served as Chairman of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NMA in Akwa Ibom State, said the health sector had long been grappling with inadequate manpower and other operational challenges.
According to him, the approval for the recruitment of additional health workers will help bridge existing gaps in service delivery, strengthen healthcare institutions, and improve access to quality medical care for residents of the state.
He also praised the state government for addressing doctors’ welfare issues during the year, noting that the gesture had boosted the morale of medical personnel and encouraged them to remain committed to delivering quality healthcare services.
Dr. Ackley expressed optimism that the combination of improved welfare and increased manpower would position Akwa Ibom as one of the leading states in healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
He further applauded the government’s commitment to health sector reforms, revealing that nine executive health bills, which had been in the works for several years, were recently passed into law.
According to him, the new laws will strengthen the healthcare system and provide a more effective legal framework for the administration of health services across the state.
Speaking on the just-concluded NMA Annual General Meeting, Dr. Ackley described the event as historic, noting that more than 500 medical doctors participated in the conference, making it one of the largest gatherings of the association since its establishment in Akwa Ibom State.
He said the AGM provided members with the opportunity to formulate policies, deliberate on issues affecting the medical profession, and elect a new leadership for the association.
Dr. Ackley commended the planning committee for its dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the week-long event and urged members to sustain the spirit of service and professionalism whenever called upon to serve the association.
He also thanked members for their impressive turnout, describing it as a clear demonstration of their commitment to the medical profession and the advancement of healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State.