Committed to expanding access to quality healthcare services across communities, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has concluded the 9th edition of her routine free medical outreach in collaboration with Faith Care International, recording a remarkable 208 major and minor surgeries.
The outreach, held at the General Hospital, Ugep, and targeted at residents of the Central Senatorial District, delivered wide-ranging medical services to thousands of beneficiaries. A total of 2,200 general consultations were conducted, alongside 597 eye consultations with 273 eyeglasses distributed, 169 dental procedures, and 304 laboratory investigations.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, described the initiative as a significant intervention that is widening access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations who have long been unable to afford medical services.
“This is a great initiative by Her Excellency to support her husband and the health sector. It has become one of the strongest motivations for us, especially in providing increased access to healthcare for our people, particularly the vulnerable,” he said.
Dr. Ayuk noted that many beneficiaries had lived with untreated medical conditions for years due to financial constraints, adding that the outreach has brought much-needed relief by delivering free, life-changing healthcare services directly to rural communities.
He further described the programme as one of the most impactful health interventions under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, emphasizing that it complements the government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
Providing further insight, the Special Assistant to the Governor’s wife on Non-Governmental Organizations, Mr. Jeffery Adamade, said the initiative is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services at no cost, thereby reducing the financial burden on residents, especially those in underserved areas.
According to him, the outreach has continued to generate inspiring testimonies from beneficiaries, particularly those who received surgeries and critical treatments after years of suffering. He noted that many had lost hope due to their inability to afford care, but are now experiencing renewed health and improved quality of life.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Chapter Director of Faith Care International, Prof. Monday Yikuldi, commended the Governor’s wife for her unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of citizens, describing her passion as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other stakeholders and philanthropists.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, expressed appreciation to the Governor’s wife for bringing the outreach to the people, noting that the intervention has brought hope and healing to many residents.
He highlighted the visible impact of the programme, particularly among beneficiaries of the surgical interventions, many of whom had endured health challenges for years without access to treatment.
Similarly, the Member representing Yakurr II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Mercy Akpama, described the outreach as a reflection of the administration’s people-centered approach, commending the Governor’s wife for her compassion and dedication to improving the welfare of the less privileged.
Esther Okoi and Kingsley Agim
