Declare Ibom Medical City route a Tax-Free Zone, Doctors' Association appeals to Eno

The Nigerian Medical Association's Akwa Ibom State branch is urging Governor Umo Eno to establish the Ibom Medical City corridor as a tax-free zone, offering incentives to attract investors from around the world, in a bid to transform the local healthcare landscape.

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This move, according to the association's chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, would pave the way for the development of top-notch hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical equipment manufacturers, ultimately creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the region.

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The 350-bed Ibom Medical City, unveiled by the state government last week, is a key component of the government's strategy to overhaul healthcare delivery, reduce medical tourism, and position the state as a premier destination for specialized healthcare services in Nigeria and beyond.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, the association appealed to the state government to designate the Ibom Medical City corridor as a Tax Incentive and Free Trade Zone, which would lure both local and international investors to the area.

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Such a designation, the association believes, would not only attract investors but also encourage the establishment of world-class medical facilities, pharmaceutical industries, and medical equipment manufacturers, while creating employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

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The association also emphasized the benefits of clustering healthcare institutions within the corridor, which would facilitate collaboration in clinical services, specialist training, medical education, research, and innovation.

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The Nigerian Medical Association is urging both public and private investors, including federal, state, and privately owned teaching hospitals, specialist hospitals, and research institutions, to set up facilities within the Ibom Medical City, which would help establish the city as a hub for healthcare excellence.

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The association is also advocating for the state government to consider upgrading the Ibom Specialist Hospital into a teaching hospital and medical university within the corridor, which would further enhance the city's reputation as a center for medical excellence.

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Furthermore, the association is calling on the state government to partner with Akwa Ibom medical professionals in the diaspora, leveraging their expertise, global experience, and international networks to establish the highest standards of clinical care, medical education, and research.

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By harnessing the expertise of these professionals, the association believes that the state government can establish a robust institutional framework for the successful development and sustainable management of the Ibom Medical City, positioning Akwa Ibom as a globally competitive center for healthcare excellence.

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The Nigerian Medical Association has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the state government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful realization of the Ibom Medical City project, which is expected to boost medical education, research, innovation, and medical tourism in Nigeria and across Africa.

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The association has commended Governor Umo Eno's commitment to strengthening the health sector through strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the provision of a state-of-the-art CT scanner and other modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment for the Ibom Specialist Hospital.

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The investments, according to the association, will significantly improve healthcare delivery, reduce medical referrals outside the state, and restore public confidence in tertiary healthcare services, ultimately benefiting the people of Akwa Ibom and beyond.