By Kingsley Agim
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has intensified efforts to transform healthcare delivery in Cross River State with the approval of funds for the renovation of the General Hospital, Ukem, the Cottage Hospital, Oban, and the commencement of civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo.
The latest intervention comes on the heels of the successful revitalization of over 100 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state, highlighting the administration’s commitment to rebuilding healthcare infrastructure at all levels.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in his office in Calabar, describing the development as another milestone in Governor Otu’s ongoing healthcare reform agenda.
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According to him, the release of funds for the three health facilities demonstrates the Governor’s determination to strengthen secondary healthcare services and ensure that quality medical care is accessible to residents in both urban and rural communities.
Dr. Ayuk said the administration’s healthcare transformation programme began with a massive upgrade of primary healthcare facilities, resulting in the revitalization of more than 100 PHCs across the state within the last two years.
“Governor Bassey Otu has approved the release of funds for the renovation of General Hospital Ukem and Cottage Hospital Oban, as well as the commencement of civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo. This is a continuation of our determined efforts to revamp public hospitals across the state following the very successful revitalization of over 100 primary healthcare facilities within the last two years,” he said.
The Commissioner dismissed claims that the administration was neglecting the health sector, describing such assertions as politically motivated and disconnected from the realities of ongoing reforms and investments in healthcare.
“Those alleging neglect of the health sector are merely expressing political frustrations. Governor Otu increased fiscal allocation to the health sector by over 100 percent, lifted the embargo on employment and recruited over 2,000 health workers. He also approved a 100 percent salary increase for doctors, enhanced allowances for health personnel and established the Hospital Management Board. These are not the actions of a government that intends to neglect healthcare,” Ayuk stated.
He noted that the increased investment in healthcare has improved service delivery across the state and laid a solid foundation for the ongoing transformation of secondary and tertiary health institutions.
The Commissioner also highlighted the establishment of the Cross River State Hospital Management Board following the signing of the enabling law by Governor Otu, describing it as a major institutional reform aimed at strengthening the administration and efficiency of public hospitals.
He assured residents that all healthcare facilities across the state would eventually benefit from the government’s reform agenda, stressing that the ultimate goal is to build a modern, efficient and accessible healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of every Cross Riverian.
Ayuk reiterated that the administration remains committed to sustaining investments in healthcare infrastructure, manpower development and service delivery as part of its broader vision of improving the quality of life of citizens across the state.
