The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has been nominated for the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the Cross River State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the transformation of the state’s health sector.
Presenting the nomination letter to the Commissioner at his office in Calabar, on Monday, the State Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, commended the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu for what he described as bold and far-reaching reforms in the health sector. He noted that the government has recorded significant progress in fiscal appropriation for health, healthcare financing, workforce expansion, infrastructure development, and inter-agency collaboration.
Dr. Epoke stated that under the leadership of Governor Otu and the supervision of Dr. Ayuk, the Ministry of Health has laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the sector. According to him, key milestones include the increase in the state’s health budget from 6 to 10 per cent, the recruitment of over 2,000 health professionals, the revitalisation and equipping of 100 primary healthcare facilities across the 18 local government areas, and the upgrade of secondary healthcare institutions.
He further highlighted the administration’s legislative and policy achievements, including the establishment of legal frameworks for improved healthcare delivery through the Drug Management Agency Law, the Hospital Management Board Law, the Health Security Bill, the Anti-Quackery Bill, and the policy extending the retirement age of health workers.
Responding, Dr. Ayuk expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Medical Association for the honour, describing the nomination as a recognition of the collective efforts of the Governor Otu-led administration to reposition the state’s health sector.
He dedicated the nomination to Governor Bassey Otu, whom he thanked for giving him the opportunity to serve, noting that every achievement recorded by the Ministry has been made possible through the Governor’s visionary leadership and unwavering support.
The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the NMA for its consistent partnership and support over the years, while giving glory to God for the recognition and the progress recorded in the health sector.
By Kingsley Agim
