The Primary Health Care (PHC) system in Cross River State has undergone a dramatic transformation under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration, with 94 health facilities already renovated, digitalization ongoing across 196 wards, and immunization rates topping national charts, according to Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Speaking during a media briefing in Calabar, Dr. Otu highlighted the groundbreaking reforms achieved in less than two years. She described the state of the healthcare system when she assumed office as “devastating,” characterized by decaying infrastructure, massive understaffing, and loss of public trust.
“Some of the facilities were so dilapidated they were unfit for human use,” she revealed. “Clients had turned to traditional birth attendants and chemists because our facilities were neither functional nor staffed.”
However, the situation has rapidly improved, thanks to Governor Otu’s prioritization of primary healthcare. Through counterpart funding and targeted interventions, 94 of the 196 ward-based PHC centers across the state have been fully renovated, expanded, and equipped with modern amenities.
Dr. Otu explained that funding from multiple sources—including the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), and direct state government allocations—has facilitated the ongoing renovation of facilities across all 18 local government areas. These renovations include the installation of solar-powered electricity, solar boreholes for 24/7 water supply, and complete medical equipment for maternal and child healthcare.
“One facility per ward is being revitalized to serve as a model center. These include five fully state-funded sites, 82 through World Bank support, and seven under the BHCPF scheme,” Dr. Otu said.
Each renovated center also comes with a Mama Kit, a fully stocked childbirth package containing essentials for both mother and baby. “All the mother needs to bring to the hospital is herself and the pregnancy,” she said proudly.
Another landmark achievement under the administration is the digitalization of health data across the state’s PHCs. All 196 centers have received computer systems to ensure proper data collection, monitoring, and evaluation. A new partnership with a private firm, the Elephant Project, will soon expand the digital infrastructure.
In addition, 196 skilled birth attendants—one for each ward—have been recruited, along with over 380 newly employed healthcare workers, to address the longstanding manpower deficit.
Training and retraining programs have been intensified, covering essential maternal and neonatal care, among others. “We also reached out to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), training them to handle only safe, complication-free deliveries and refer high-risk cases to proper health facilities,” Dr. Otu stated.
One of the most remarkable feats recorded is Cross River’s rise to the top of the national immunization chart. According to the 2023–2024 National Demographic Health Survey, Cross River recorded a 95% immunization coverage, the highest in Nigeria, surpassing Lagos at 86%.
This was achieved through a combination of intensive sensitization campaigns, radio and TV jingles, and community outreach programs, especially in zero-dose communities—areas where children had never received vaccinations.
“We didn’t just sit back. We went into the most remote areas with our health teams, ensuring no child is left behind,” she added.
Dr. Otu emphasized the importance of community ownership of the revitalized health facilities. Town hall-style community entry meetings are held before renovation begins in any community. Local leaders, youth groups, and village development committees are engaged to foster a sense of responsibility.
“We want the people to see the facilities as theirs—not as government property. Security should come from within the community,” she said.
However, she lamented recent vandalism in some areas such as Bakassi, where newly renovated centers were burglarized. “We will intensify advocacy and return to these communities to re-engage the people. We can’t afford to let a few setbacks derail our progress.”
While celebrating the milestones achieved, Dr. Otu acknowledged that much work remains. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. But the trajectory is clear—we are on the path to restoring confidence in our health system,” she affirmed.
Governor Otu’s healthcare reforms, she said, have restored hope and brought dignity to maternal and child health in Cross River. “We’re not just renovating buildings—we are rebuilding trust in public health.”
The Cross River State Primary Health Care Revitalization Program is part of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People-First” agenda, aimed at making healthcare accessible, affordable, and accountable for all.
