As part of concerted efforts to address the manpower challenge rattling the health sector in Cross River state, Governor Bassey Otu is set to unveil a new salary package for medical doctors on the payroll of the state government to attract prospective career staff.
The new package will include multiple incentives and an improved welfare package to lure medical professionals especially doctors and nurses to to enlist in the state public service.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk dropped the hints while exchanging views with The Beagles News in his office in Calabar.
Dr Ayuk disclosed that the innovative approach is intended by the government to tackle the shortage of manpower in the sector as inherited from the last administration.
According to him" When we came on board, we discovered that the state was finding it extremely difficult to retain the service of medical doctors due to poor remuneration and welfare package. Also, the massive retirement in the service has left a huge gap in the nursing cadre given the long lull in recruitment"
"We needed drastic steps to address the issue hence the need for an enhanced wage structure and engagement of some energetic retirees to fill the gap as a remedial measure"
In his words "Governor Bassey Otu has a peculiar interest in the health sector due to his desire to ensure the well-being of our people. We are currently working assiduously to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities deficit in our medical outfits ranging from health centers to general hospitals to guarantee globally acceptable standards"
"We are resolute in our determination to checkmate the maternal mortality rate. Accordingly, the governor is introducing free and qualitative medical care for pregnant women and infants as a cardinal obligation to the people across the nooks and crannies of the state"
The health boss revealed that the state is cultivating robust synergy with global agencies to accelerate the attainment of the lofty agenda of government concerning the sector.
By Ekanem Asuquo, The Beale News
