Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
An indigenous medical organisation based in Uyo has intervened in the payment of bills of 50 indigent patients, in celebration of Governor Umo Eno's 62nd birthday.
The organization, known as Tokiye Integrated Medical Services (TIMS) visited Ikot Ekpene General Hospital on Friday, April 24, 2026, being the Governor’s birthday, led by its Head of Corporate Services, Ms. Lyza Adiukwu.
At the facility, the team went round the maternity, post-natal, gynaecology and paediatric wards, sympathising with the patients and paying their bills, including those of the Accident and Emergency Ward.
One of the babies visited was the Governor’s birthday mate, born about 4:00am that morning.
Of particular interest were 12 babies in the incubating facility with cases such as neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice and severe birth asphyzxia, who were due for discharge but delayed due to lack of funds. The joy on the faces of their families could not be contained as thier bills were cleared by TIMS.
Similarly, patients at the gynaecology ward who were due for discharge but had not paid their bills shed tears of joy at the gesture.
One of them was Mrs. Hannah Dominic Henry who underwent myomectomy (removal of fibroid).
At the Paediatric Ward, a pathetic sight greeted the team as parents of children with severe cases of burns, surgeries and other medical needs lamented their inability to afford the cost of treatment. But their faces glowed with excitement when it was announced that their bills have been cleared by TIMS.
One of them, Mr. Trust James whose 16 year old was managing Juvenile Diabetes was far more overjoyed. Not only was his child's hospital paid, the cost of his drugs were also covered by TIMS.
In his reaction to the gesture, Mr. James praised the visiting team for the timely intervention and prayed God's blessings and unending supply upon TIMS. He, alongside other parents also wished the Governor more enriching years, while lauding Pst. Umo Eno's health intervention through the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme.
He was supported by others such as Mrs. Idongesit Michael Ekanem, mother of the baby sharing the day with Governor Umo Eno; Mrs. Elizabeth Samuel Sunday, Mrs. OfonimeAbasi, Mrs. Uwakmfon Julius Victor, Mrs. Christiana Uwem Micah, Mrs. Hannah Dominic Henry and others who took turns to shower the Governor with goodwill messages and positive wishes.
Reacting to the development, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Nene Francis Andem was thankful to TIMS for choosing the facility for the intervention.
She noted that the facility had a lot of indigent patients who could not afford their bills on completion of treatment.
"We see lots of referrals coming in and by the time they're brought in here, they've already exhausted their funds, from seeking health services elsewhere", she told newsmen.
She was therefore grateful that the burden of those concerned have been borne by TIMS.
Speaking for TIMS, the Strategic Communications Lead for TIMS, Imaobong Dem said the team was glad to be carrying out the Governor’s wish of channeling whatever would have been given to him as birthday gift to the less privileged.
"It's so exciting to see that a number of them have smiled which is what the Governor wants", she remarked.
While commending the hospital's hygiene and sanitary condition, the Communications Lead, on behalf of the team, lauded Governor Umo Eno on his birthday and wished him many fruitful and fulfilling years. She also commended the Governor for making the Health Insurance Scheme effective, adding that the scheme has paved way for others to benefit from thier intervention.
The intervention featured the payment of two Chemotherapy sessions for Mrs. Okon Akpan Udo and a tour of the concerned wards.
In the intervention team were TIMS Human Resource Manager, Mrs Idongesit Ita; Head of Procurement and Supply Chain, Mr Abdulkahal Salihu; Financial Controller, Mr Ite Asuquo, among others.
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