Ibom Multi Specialist Hospital: The saving grace

The use of Ibom Multi Specialist Hospital remained unknown and undervalued by Nigerians until December 10th 2016, when the Reigners Bible church international, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, collapsed in the middle of service, killing and injuring scores of people. 

Many on the throes of death were rushed to the Multi Specialist Hospital built amidst criticism by the then governor, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. 

There, many found the grace and survived. But for the hospital with its sophisticated equipment and proximal advantage, the passage to eternity would have been the option.

But why wouldn’t death be an option? 

It would have been because prior to the completion and subsequent commencement of full medical operations at ISH, no hospital in the country could boast of a 21st century medical facility. 

Nigerians feared for their lives. 

The fear most Nigerians entertained was not their sicknesses or the medical conditions they found themselves, rather the state of hospitals in the country.

Like a world renowned surgeon, Eapen Koshy, once said during an interview: “With Ibom Multi Specialist Hospital in the country, you have got the best in Africa in the area of Medicare”.  

And as often said: ‘The taste of the pudding is in the eating’, and so it was, on this day of sorrow and gnashing of teeth, a day of pains and mourning, a day described by many as ‘black Saturday’ in Nigeria, ISH opened its doors of mercy and grace and gave back lives to many who never thought they could have a second chance.

Within hours, over 20 Orthopaedic surgeries, 15 Neuro surgeries and several other cases were successfully administered to the over hundred admitted victims of the collapsed church building. 

This success achieved by the ISH, many believe has repositioned the hospital to regain its status as the best hospital in sub-Saharan Africa.

Testimonies of survivor and family members abound.

After weeping profusely for hours following poor medical attention provided his two kids by a certain hospital in the state (name withheld), Mr. Uko Imah, a member of the Reigners Church said amidst smiles: 

“But for Ibom Specialist Hospital, I would have lost my kids. All thanks to God and the man whose vision made this possible. 

“What other hospitals struggle to do in hours was achieved by ISH within minutes. Look at my children now, they are responding faster than expected”.

Bishop Uwanta’s testimony was not different. Uwanta who is the board Chairman of Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), said, he wandered what could have possibly happened to the victims of the church disaster if ISH was not in existence. 

“I keep asking myself this very important question. What if we never had this facility and the experts here in AKS? 

“What if Ibom Specialist Hospital was not there?  The truth is that, we could have lost many lives. 

“Almost everyone here had major surgeries. Where would the resources to fly everyone abroad for treatment come from? 

“This hospital has given us a second chance to live”.

A 66 year old clergyman, Rev. Dominic Ekpe, who was responding to question amidst tears on his sick bed, described ISH as the best thing that has happened to Nigeria in recent time. 

“I must confess to you my brother. I have been hearing about the wonders this hospital has been doing, but I never quite believed it was this efficient. 

“I thought it was one of those scams politicians are known for. 

“Don’t forget this hospital was built by the former governor, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and he is a politician. 

“But my perception changed completely when I regained consciousness and discovered I was at ISH. 

“When I was shown the pictures of how severely wounded I was and discovering how I am at the moment, I simply wept because, grace has found me here in ISH”.

“The era of seeking medical attention abroad for any health condition is over with ISH in Nigeria”. 

These were the exact words of a university teacher whose husband was admitted in ISH following the December 10 tragedy in Uyo. 

The mother of four, who gave her name simply as Mrs. Efangha, said it took quality health delivery service to get her husband back to life. 

“Of course I know very well that it takes the grace of God for my husband who was obviously gone to be back to life. 

“But don’t also forget that most people who suffered similar fate as my husband but were taken to other hospitals with less medical equipment lost their lives. 

“The truth is, my husband is alive today because of the perfect health facilities and of course, best medical professionals we have here in ISH”.

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