Cross River State Government Rescues Mentally Challenged Mother And Baby, Offer Medical And Welfare Assistance for Upkeep

 

The Cross River State Government has rescued a mentally challenged woman and her baby on the street of Calabar  with provision of medical, material, welfare and psychological assistance to aide the baby and mother's survival.

The victim, a middle aged woman who gave her name as "Cassy baby " and a native of Benue state was said to have helped herself through  pains in the delivery of the baby before the arrival of some good Samaritan for assistance.

The rescue operation which was led by the Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong and her team was also made up of staff of Ministry of Health, Ministry of humanitarian and social services and the Calabar Urban Development Agency (CUDA), who ensured the evacuation of the baby and her mother to the closest Primary Healthcare Centre within the area.

On her  arrival at the spot of Delivery at about 5:20 pm, the Director General was moved to tears on siting the condition at which the mother was, as she requested for an immediate medical response from her team to stabilize the woman's condition before she was taken to a health facility.

Dr Ekpenyong reiterated His Excellency Senator Prof Ben Ayade's resolve to ensure no woman or child dies during child birth Irrespective of where they come from  or who they are. 

She also called for more awareness  to be created as regards mental health as well as for people to regularly check for other underlying health conditions especially those who have been exposed to hard  drugs.

"We all owe ourselves the duty to check for our mental health, some of us are going through some stress and trauma that if not checked on time, could lead to advanced mental health disorder, I want to encourage young people especially Students  to stay away from hard  drugs and addictive characters which may have adverse effect to their health.

We are proud that we have rescued both the mother and the child, we will ensure that the baby enjoys all privileges like every other child, she has received her first doses of Immunization to boost her immunity, and she has been  placed on the watchful eyes of health  professionals.

As for the mother, she is also stable, we will monitor her as long as possible and will refer her to where she will be managed for other identified health challenges. Other welfare services are are also provided.

I also want to salute the effort of our sister Agency, CUDA ably headed by Mr JoeMary Ekeng Ita for the timely response and reaching out to us, to ensure mother and child receive uncompromisable services. She called on Cross Riverians to always seek health care services from health centres. 

On his part, the Executive Secretary of CUDA ,Mr John-Mary Emmauel  thanked the DG of the CRSPHCDA and her team  for acting promptly to the call which he said is a testament to the harmonious working relationship between all Agencies of Government in the state.

He therefore disclosed  his own readiness to continue to collaborate with all Agencies of Government to ensure that citizens and residents enjoy Government presence at all times. 

The DG also thanked the Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and Commissioner for Humanitarian and social services, Hon Mrs Blessing Egbara for all their support towards improving the health and welfare of citizens and residents of the state.

The baby which was later christined as Baby Linda Greatness Ayade after the first Lady, also received gifts including material and financial from the state Government who will take full responsibility of the baby.