NMA Calls For Tax Support To Boost Ibom Medical City Project

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to make the Ibom Medical City corridor a tax incentive and free trade zone to attract local and foreign investors to the health sector in the state.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peters, and made available to journalists in Uyo, the association said that granting tax incentives and free trade zone status to the medical facility would also encourage the establishment of world-class hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, medical equipment manufacturers and producers of medical consumables.
“To unlock the enormous healthcare and economic potential of the Ibom Medical City, the Association respectfully appeals to the State Government to designate the Ibom Medical City Corridor as a tax incentive and free trade zone. “This designation will draw local and international investors, promote the development of world-class hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, medical equipment manufacturers and manufacturers of hospital consumables, as well as create employment and spur economic growth.”

The NMA, which called the Ibom Medical City project a landmark project and a bold, visionary investment that would transform the state into a top destination for quality healthcare, also expressed hope that it would promote medical education, research, innovation and medical tourism in Nigeria and across Africa.

“We applaud the governor’s steadfast dedication to bolstering the health sector through strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure.

“The NMA also congratulates the state government for the renewed efforts in repositioning the Ibom Specialist Hospital with the provision of a state-of-the-art CT scanner and other modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

“These investments will significantly enhance the delivery of healthcare, minimize medical referrals out of state, and rebuild the public’s confidence in tertiary healthcare services.”

The association therefore asked both public and private investors and federal, state and privately owned teaching hospitals to consider locating their facilities within the Ibom Medical City.

“The clustering of healthcare institutions will promote collaboration in clinical services, specialist training, medical education, research and innovation thereby positioning the city as Nigeria’s premier healthcare hub.

NMA calls on Gov Umo Eno to treat Ibom Specialist Hospital as a medical university, teaching hospital

“The Nigerian Medical Association appeals to Akwa Ibom State Government to intentionally collaborate with Akwa Ibom medical professionals in the diaspora in the planning, development, governance and operation of the Ibom Medical City.”

“It said that tapping into the expertise, global experience and international networks of these professionals would help establish the highest standards of clinical care, medical education, research, hospital administration, quality assurance and institutional governance.

“Their coming in will provide the strong institutional framework needed to successfully develop and sustainably manage a medical city of this magnitude, making Akwa Ibom a globally competitive centre of healthcare excellence.”