Preach UHC, Other Health-related Messages, Health Boss Enjoins Student Nurses, Midwives

By Kingsley Agim

Students of Colleges of Nursing Sciences and happy Midwifery across the State have been tasked to factor health-related messages into their social calendar as potential healthcare service providers and critical stakeholders in the health sector.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk gave the charge, recently, when he received a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses and Midwives, who were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment as and eventual assumption of office as Commissioner for Health, as well as intimate him of activities to mark the Association's ongoing Social Week, holding in Calabar.

Dr. Ayuk said with Cross River making concerted efforts towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), it behooves on all stakeholders in the health sector to support Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to actualise such lofty vision through public enlightenment, advocacy and outdoor campaigns in order to elicit public buy-in.

The renowned medical professional, who thanked the students for finding it necessary to visit him, congratulate and inform him of their activities, advised that, rather than indulge in jamboree activities, they ought to exhibit what they are taught by propagating messages on health, hygiene, family planning, environmental safety and other health beneficial enlightenment.

Assuring the students of his solidarity, the Commissioner expressed his Ministry's readiness to support the Association with partnerships that would engender health development for societal good.

In her remarks, Blessing Ben, a representative of the Association, congratulated Dr. Ayuk on his appointment, while thanking him for the warm reception and positive counsel to the students. She wished the Commissioner an eventful and rewarding tenure of office.

She said the weeklong event, held annually, offers students from all Colleges of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery the opportunity to converge, socialise, unwind, network and chart a course for Nursing Sciences and Midwifery education in the State, nay Nigeria.

The Commissioner received the students in the able company of his Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Pauline Obute.