Designate Ibom Medical City corridor Free Trade Zone, NMA urges Eno

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, has appealed to Governor Umo Eno to establish the Ibom Medical City corridor as a Tax Incentive and Free Trade Zone. The association believes this strategic move will significantly enhance the region's healthcare sector and economic landscape.

Professor Aniekan Peter, chairman of the NMA Akwa Ibom State, stated that such a designation would serve as a powerful magnet for both local and international investors. He anticipates it will encourage the development of state-of-the-art hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers, and producers of essential hospital consumables. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and foster overall economic growth within the state.

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To maximise 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.

The recently unveiled 350-bed Ibom Medical City is a key policy initiative by the state government aimed at revolutionizing healthcare delivery. Its objectives include reducing medical tourism and positioning Akwa Ibom as a premier destination for specialized healthcare services in Nigeria and beyond.

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Such a designation will attract both local and international investors, encourage the establishment of world-class hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, medical equipment manufacturers and producers of hospital consumables, as well as create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

To fully harness the potential of the Ibom Medical City, the NMA emphasized the importance of clustering healthcare institutions. This proximity, they argue, will foster collaboration in clinical services, specialist training, medical education, research, and innovation, ultimately establishing the city as Nigeria's leading healthcare hub.

In addition to the Free Trade Zone proposal, the NMA urged the state government to consider upgrading the Ibom Specialist Hospital into a teaching hospital and medical university within the corridor. They also encouraged public and private investors, including federal and state-owned institutions, to establish their facilities within the Ibom Medical City, further solidifying its role as a comprehensive healthcare center.

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The clustering of healthcare institutions will foster collaboration in clinical services, specialist training, medical education, research and innovation, thereby establishing the city as Nigeria’s foremost healthcare hub.