A two-day free medical outreach organized to mark the second anniversary of Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk as Cross River State Commissioner for Health benefited 295 residents of Etomi community and its environs. The event, held at the newly renovated Etomi Primary Health Centre (PHC), provided vital healthcare services to rural dwellers.
The medical intervention, a partnership between the Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the World Bank-assisted IMPACT Project, included a wide range of services. Over 250 medical consultations, 262 diabetes screenings, and 259 malaria tests were conducted.
The outreach led to the diagnosis of 12 new cases of diabetes and confirmed 53 cases of malaria. Additionally, 34 patients with eye conditions were treated, and 10 surgical operations, including hernia and cyst removals, were successfully performed. All patients received essential drugs free of charge.
Dr. Ayuk described the outreach as an act of thanksgiving and a practical demonstration of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda. He highlighted the revitalization of the Etomi PHC as symbolic of the government’s commitment to improving primary healthcare across the state.
The Commissioner also noted other significant reforms under the current administration, including the upgrade of 96 PHCs, the recruitment of over 3,000 health workers and the deployment of more than 230 medical professionals to general hospitals. He also pointed out the expansion of the state’s health insurance scheme and a budget allocation for health that has increased from less than six percent to over ten percent of the state’s total budget.
“The government is also completing abandoned hospitals in Oban and Akpabuyo, with plans underway for new general and cottage hospitals,” he added. Dr. Ayuk rated his stewardship so far as “six out of ten,” expressing confidence in achieving further progress with public support.
The outreach received widespread commendation. Dr. Paul Odey, Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, praised the initiative as timely, given the challenges many rural dwellers face in accessing affordable medical services. Effiong Ayi, a retired Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, called the Etomi PHC’s revitalization a milestone that now enables surgical interventions at the community level. The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Stephen Agbor, and Director of Human Resource for Health, Hon. Chris Ushuasung, noted that the services provided brought relief to residents with long-standing health issues, with nearly 69 percent of beneficiaries being women.
Chief David Amba, the Village Head of Etomi, described the outreach as “life-saving,” while the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Reverend Fr Gabriel Inah, lauded Dr. Ayuk’s humility and the government’s “people-centred approach.” Following a thanksgiving service, a reception was held, attended by several prominent dignitaries.
Culled from Kingsley Agim
