The Cross River State Commissioner for health; Dr. Ayuk Egbe, has highlighted the progress made in improving healthcare delivery under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, adding that the administration is prioritizing quality healthcare Services to its citizens.
Dr. Egbe noted that the state has made significant strides in revitalizing primary healthcare centres, improving infrastructure, and increasing access to healthcare services.
He disclosed this in an Interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Calabar, adding that the state has made progress in improving immunization coverage, with a significant increase in the number of children immunized.
He said, “The administration of Governor Bassey Otu has implemented various initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, including the employment of additional healthcare staff, provision of staff quarters, and upgrading of healthcare facilities across the 18 Local government Areas of the state.”
“The state has four training institutions for nursing, which is a significant achievement. We are working assiduously towards achieving universal health coverage, which is a key goal of the People’s First administration of Governor Otu”, Egbe assured.
Egbe further stated, “For the past two years, we are focused and very intentional on achieving universal health coverage; that is, healthcare for everyone by the year 2030. In this we mean what the rich man can receive as healthcare is what the poor man can also receive across the world. There is equity, there is equality. A poor man should get healthcare, and the rich man should also get. So, the goal for everyone is to achieve universal health coverage.”
He stressed that Governor Bassey Otu is determined to ensure everyone in Cross River State has the advantage of access to fundamental and basic healthcare services in an affordable manner with the right amount of quality.
“By the year 2027, Cross Riverians should be in a position to be enjoying one of the best healthcare services in the country. So, that is our primary focus. Our goal remains universal health coverage for everyone by the year 2030”, he stated.
Dr. Egbe also highlighted challenges facing the healthcare sector, including inadequate funding, inadequate infrastructure, and human resource shortages, adding that the administration has made efforts to address these challenges, including increasing funding for healthcare and improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
He emphasized the importance of partnerships in improving healthcare delivery, noting that the administration has worked closely with international organizations and partners to enhance healthcare services in the state.
