Skip to main content

Gov. Otu's Health Sector Revitalization Gets NMA Commendation

 


By Kingsley Agim 


Governor Bassey Otu's efforts to revitalize the health sector in Cross River have earned commendation from the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). 


The NMA said the Governor's tireless puissance for an improved health sector and the achievements recorded so far have been impressive.


The Cross River NMA's plaudits were conveyed through its Chairman, Dr. Ezoeke Epoke, during a congratulatory visit by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk to the new Executives of the Association, recently, in Calabar.


The NMA Chairman praised the Governor's unflinching resolve towards recovering the State's healthcare from its sorry past through deliberate efforts to strengthen human resources, anti quackery and health quality, and improvements in fiscal allocations for the sector as well as health access for vulnerable populations of the State, adding that the present administration is laying a solid foundation for a healthcare system that would be free from the usual hiccups that had plagued it over the years. 


Dr. Epoke also appreciated the Government for paying up to 80 percent CONMESS salary policy to doctors. He however appealed to government to further address other relevant issues in order to improve health sector performance in the in the core areas as health insurance, supervision of medical services, remuneration of health personnel and posting of consultants and resident doctors to general hospitals across the State.


In his response, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk congratulated the NMA Executives on their emergence as leaders of the esteemed professional body. He expressed delight in the warm reception he received and praises showered on his principal, the Governor. 


Dr. Ayuk told the NMA that apart from coming to congratulate the new team, his visit was to also appreciate the wonderful working relationship the State government has enjoyed with the NMA for the past one year and counting.


He assured the NMA that the Governor will continue to listen to the NMA in addressing the concerns on re-establishing internship and residency training at the General Hospital Calabar as well as improved remuneration for health staff.


"Under infrastructure development, the Otu-led administration, through partnership with international donors, the Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital, which was vandalized during the ENDSARS protest in 2020, has renovated; and approval of N470 million for the completion of the General Hospital in Ikom.


"In human resource development, the state is currently recruiting 31 medical doctors, 22 pharmacists, and 153 nurses to enhance productivity and service delivery in public secondary health facilities. Funding has significantly improved, too, for general upgrade of health facilities for optimal services delivery," the Commissioner highlighted.


The visit climaxed with a symbolic cutting of cake to mark the Commissioner's belated birthday.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING NEWS: Youths of Ikot Ansa Nab Vandals Destroying Public Utilities, Hand Over to Authorities for Prosecution

  In a combined effort to curb the rampant vandalism of public utilities in Cross River State, the youth leader of Ikot Ansa, Prince, Victor Otu Iso JR, alongside his community, successfully apprehended criminals involved in the destruction of vital public infrastructure. The vandals were caught red-handed this morning, 13th day of September 2024, as they attempted to steal Amor cables belonging to state transformers at Ekpo Iso. Acting swiftly, the youth leader invited the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, and his counterpart on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, to the scene. The Special Advisers arrived promptly, accompanied by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from the Federal Division, and took custody of the criminals. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and prosecution. While addressing the youths of Ikot Ansa, Engr. Dr. Egbe and Barr. Akiba commended t...
1 comment
Read more

Hope Waddell, Ex-Gov Ayade Settle Land Dispute, Launch 1bn Endowment Fund

  By Detailing News  The longstanding land dispute between the Presbyterian Church’s Hope Waddell Training Institution and the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has been amicably resolved, paving the way for renewed development at the historic institution. The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, disclosed this at a press conference in Calabar on Monday. The briefing marked the commencement of activities for the 130th anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution, which was established in 1895. According to him, the dispute was not solely between the Church and the former governor but also involved the institution’s Old Students Association. He explained that the contested land had historical significance as the former residence of the Inspector-General of Police. “The land issue was not just between Governor Ayade and the Church; it also involved the Old Students Associati...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gov’s Aide on Public Utilities Assesses Infrastructure at College of Health, Calabar

     By Detailing News  In a bid to revamp public utilities across Cross River State, the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, embarked on a needs assessment tour of the College of Health Technology, Calabar, today March 12, 2025. The visit forms part of a statewide initiative to identify and restore non-functional public infrastructure, aligning with Governor Otu’s "First People’s Mantra", which prioritizes the well-being of citizens and economic growth through infrastructural development. Engr. Egbe emphasized the importance of rehabilitating public utilities to enhance their efficiency, encourage industrial growth, and create a conducive environment for investment in the state. "This tour is necessary to assess the state of public utilities and identify areas where the government must intervene. Many institutions, including this college, have pressing infrastructural challenges that hinder growth and academic excel...
Post a Comment
Read more