The Cross River State Government has directed the immediate establishment of environmental health units in all public hospitals as part of urgent measures to curb open defecation and improve sanitation across health facilities.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this during a media in Calabar after an inspection visit to the General Hospital Calabar, where concerns over open defecation were raised.
Dr. Ayuk said the Environmental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health would, Pastor Effanga, work closely with Medical Superintendents to institutionalize environmental health services across all government-owned hospitals.
“We are directing that environmental health units be established in every public hospital in the state. This is necessary to immediately address open defecation and other unsafe environmental practices within our health facilities,” he said.
He explained that the move is aimed at tackling poor sanitation behaviours capable of endangering patients, caregivers and health workers.
The Commissioner also instructed hospital managements to provide accessible public toilets for caregivers and visitors who may not have direct access to facilities within the wards.
“All public hospitals must provide functional public toilets, especially for caregivers and visitors. No one should resort to unsafe practices due to lack of access,” he stated.
He further advised members of the public to always seek guidance from hospital staff to locate designated toilet facilities within hospital premises.
“Members of the public are advised to seek directions to designated toilet facilities while within hospital premises. Maintaining hygiene is a shared responsibility,” he added.
Dr. Ayuk disclosed that the state has recorded five suspected cases of Cholera, warning that the government would not tolerate any practices that could trigger the spread of waterborne diseases.
“We have already been notified of five cases of cholera in the state, and we will not tolerate any actions, within or outside hospitals, that could lead to the spread of such infections,” he warned.
He emphasized that strict enforcement of environmental health standards would be sustained to safeguard public health and prevent further outbreaks across the state.
Kingsley Agim
