The Cross River State Government states that the ongoing renovation and equipping of 82 Primary Health Centres across the 18 local government areas of the state aim to completely transform the state’s health sector, resulting in improved quality of service delivery.
The state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, expressed this at the State Health Sector Colloquium, themed “Transforming Health, Transforming Lives,” in Calabar, to celebrate his administration’s achievements in the health sector over the past two years.
Governor Otu, represented by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, said that in the Secondary Health Care subsector, the state is also renovating, upgrading, and equipping the Dialysis Centres in General Hospitals, Calabar and Ogoja to be fully operational, and is also constructing a new General Hospital in Ikom.
He said, “The Fistula Centre at the General Hospital, Calabar, has been equipped and is functional. The reconstruction of the moribund College Hospital in Oban, Akamkpa LGA, has commenced and approval has also been granted for the renovation of the Ukem Hospital in Odukpani LGA and selected facilities in Akpabuyo LGA.
“The four Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery have been equipped and fully accredited. We have introduced pilot schemes, such as the Sweet Prince Palliative Healthcare Programme, which provides free medical services to pregnant women, children under five years old, and citizens aged 70 and above. In addition, the State Health Insurance Scheme is now operational”.
He said the state, in partnership with UNICEF, is constructing a Medical Oxygen Plant at the General Hospitals in Calabar and Ogoja.
The governor said the state is investing heavily in the health sector to ensure every Cross Riverian has access to quality healthcare service delivery across the state.
“Beyond these, we shall continue implementing laudable health initiatives aimed at achieving a healthier population and enhancing the well-being of our people”, the governor promised.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, stated that the government has implemented massive interventions in both rural and urban areas, reflecting the seriousness with which the administration is addressing health sector challenges.
He disclosed that 82 Primary Health Centres across all the 18 local government areas are currently being renovated and fully equipped, alongside the upgrade of dialysis centres at the General Hospitals in Ogoja and Calabar.
Other major projects include the construction of a new General Hospital in Ikom, the reconstruction of the moribund College Hospital in Oban (Akamkpa LGA), and Ukem Hospital in Odukpani LGA, as well as the accreditation of all four Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery in the state. The government has also introduced pilot schemes such as the Sweet Prince Palliative Healthcare Programme, which provides free medical services to pregnant women, children under five, and citizens aged 70 and above.
Dr. Ayuk commended Governor Otu for prioritising the health of the citizenry in a way that truly reflects his People First mantra.
On his part, the chairman, Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Food and Nutrition Hon. Hilary Bisong, stressed that health remains the greatest wealth of a people, and therefore must be prioritised. He highlighted significant strides made in the sector between 2023 and 2025, particularly in revitalising primary healthcare centres and ensuring rural dwellers have access to essential services.
“As Chairman of the House Committee on Health, I have championed and supported bills that promote healthcare development in our state. These efforts represent sparks for lasting flames in Cross River’s healthcare sector,” Bisong said.
The colloquium featured a paper presentation by Dr. Tah Daniel Takon, goodwill messages, and award presentations to deserving staff of the Ministry of Health, parastatals, partners, and organisations in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the sector.
Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambe, presented Governor Bassey Otu’s address at the Colloquium in Calabar.
