By Abasi Ita
The Cross River state government has approved the release of funds for the renovation of General Hospital Ukem, Cottage Hospital Oban, and the commencement of civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Calabar. He said Governor Bassey Otu had given approval for the projects as part of the administration’s commitment to revitalizing public health facilities and improving access to quality healthcare services.
According to Ayuk, work will commence immediately at the long abandoned Akpabuyo General Hospital complex. He noted that the governor’s approval underscores the administration’s determination to expand healthcare infrastructure and ensure better medical services for residents.
The commissioner recently visited the Akpabuyo project site at Crosspil Estate alongside contractors and community representatives to facilitate a smooth takeover and prompt commencement of construction activities.
He explained that the projects would improve access to healthcare services, reduce travel time for patients, create employment opportunities, strengthen emergency response systems, and ease pressure on existing hospitals within the state.
Ayuk stated that the approval follows the successful revitalization of more than 100 primary healthcare facilities across Cross River within the last two years.
He dismissed claims that the state government was neglecting the health sector, describing such assertions as politically motivated and lacking factual basis.
The commissioner recalled that Governor Otu increased budgetary allocation to the health sector by more than 100 percent, lifted the employment embargo, and facilitated the recruitment of over 2,000 health workers to improve service delivery.
He further noted that the administration approved a 100 percent salary increase for doctors and enhanced allowances for health personnel. He added that the governor also signed into law the establishment of the Hospital Management Board to strengthen the management of public health institutions.
Ayuk assured residents that the government remains committed to the ongoing reform of public hospitals and pledged that healthcare facilities across the state would benefit from the administration’s comprehensive health sector transformation programme.