The Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Dr. Henry Ayuk, has again reiterated the decision of the Governor of Cross River, Senator Bassey Otu to provide free medical services to the vulnerable populations of the State.
The Commissioner who was in the company of the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hon. Idema Erom and the representatives of the wife of the Governor, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Otu to visit children born on Christmas day (December 25) at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, told journalists that the present administration is determined to reduce the delays in Obstetrics care through his policy on free medical services for pregnant women, children under the age of five and elderly populations in the state, a policy the Commissioner informed is captured under his Palliative Healthcare Programme in the 2024 budget estimates before the House of Assembly.
The Commissioner who paid glowing tribute to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) team that delivered one of the babies through a caesarian section to avert birth asphyxia, said Obstetrics delay is a major cause of both maternal and neonatal deaths in the State.
Dr. Ayuk used the opportunity to congratulate all the children born on such a significant day in the Christendom (25th December) and their parents for being a part of that history.
Earlier, the SA to Her Excellency who stood in for the wife of the Governor distributed gifts to the new born babies, their mothers and hospital staff.
By Ebi Collins, The Beagle News
