Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has assured residents of Yakurr Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that General Hospital, Ugep, remains safe and fully prepared to host the 10th Edition of the Wife of the Governor’s Medical Outreach, urging members of the public to disregard rumours of insecurity and take advantage of the free healthcare services.
Dr. Ayuk gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection of facilities at the General Hospital, Ugep, ahead of the commencement of the five-day (9-15 August, 2026) medical and surgical outreach.
Addressing stakeholders, the Commissioner said security reports available to the State Government indicate that there is no conflict or security threat in the area, stressing that residents should not allow unfounded rumours to discourage them from accessing healthcare services.
“I have received security reports which do not confirm any conflict. We have a facility here that is meant to serve the people of Yakurr, and they should come and access services without being threatened by fears of community conflict,” he said.
The Commissioner explained that the outreach is a humanitarian intervention designed to provide quality healthcare at no cost to beneficiaries, emphasizing that all consultations, investigations, surgeries and other medical services under the programme would be offered free of charge.
He dismissed reports suggesting communal tensions as unfounded and warned individuals against spreading misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
Dr. Ayuk reiterated the commitment of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration to expanding access to quality healthcare through initiatives that directly improve the wellbeing of citizens, particularly vulnerable populations.
Earlier, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Stephen Agbor, said all arrangements had been concluded for the medical and surgical outreach, which begins on Monday.
He disclosed that the five-day programme would offer free surgeries, specialist consultations, prescription medications, eye care, dental services and paediatric healthcare, among other interventions.
According to him, the quality of services provided under previous editions has attracted patients from across the country, including Lagos and Abuja, reflecting growing public confidence in the initiative.
Dr. Agbor urged residents of Yakurr and adjoining communities to take full advantage of the opportunity by turning out in large numbers to receive free medical care.
Also speaking, the Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ugep, Dr. Enya Ideba, welcomed the Commissioner’s inspection visit and expressed the hospital’s readiness to host the landmark 10th edition of the Governor’s Medical Outreach.
He said the hospital had strengthened its operational systems and addressed previous challenges to ensure efficient service delivery and quality patient care throughout the outreach.
Dr. Ideba assured members of the public that the facility was adequately prepared to receive the anticipated influx of patients, expressing confidence that the exercise would further improve access to quality healthcare for residents of Yakurr and surrounding communities.
By Kingsley Agim
