295 Residents Benefit from Free Healthcare as Cross River Deepens Health Reforms
…Outreach in Etomi marks Commissioner Henry Ayuk’s second anniversary, with surgeries, eye care, and drug distribution to rural dwellers
By Ebi COLLINS
Etomi community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State was the centre of attention over the weekend as 295 residents accessed free medical services during a two-day outreach organized to commemorate the second anniversary of Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk as Commissioner for Health.
The exercise, held at the newly renovated Etomi Primary Health Centre (PHC), was carried out by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the World Bank–assisted Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project. It featured free consultations, diagnoses, surgical operations, eye treatment, and the distribution of essential drugs to hundreds of beneficiaries, many of whom had endured long-standing ailments without care.
Dr. Ayuk described the outreach as both a thanksgiving gesture and a reflection of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda. “This is my second year in office, and I felt it was necessary to celebrate by showcasing what His Excellency is doing in the health sector. The revitalization of this facility in my community is symbolic of government’s commitment to primary health care across the state,” he said.
The Commissioner outlined progress under the current administration, including the upgrade of 96 PHCs, recruitment of healthcare workers, where 230 doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists have been engaged to improve services in secondary health facilities. He also revealed that the state’s health insurance scheme is expanding to cover the informal sector, with the Governor’s wife already enrolling over 500 elderly persons in Calabar for free care.
“Beyond the outreach, the Governor Otu-led administration has raised health budget allocation from less than six percent to over 10 percent of the state’s total expenditure. It is also completing abandoned hospitals in Oban and Akpabuyo, while planning new general and cottage hospitals to strengthen healthcare delivery,” he stated.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Dr. Ayuk rated the sector’s progress a “six out of ten” so far, assuring Cross Riverians that with God’s grace and continued support, the government will achieve more in the years ahead.
Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr. Paul Odey, said the outreach came at the right time, noting that many rural dwellers cannot afford essential medical services. Retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Effiong Ayi, added that the revitalized Etomi PHC, once abandoned, is now able to support minor surgical procedures and community-level interventions.
Medical findings from the outreach highlighted the community’s health burden. According to Hon. Chris Ushuasung, Director of Human Resource for Health, 262 people were screened for diabetes, with 12 new cases diagnosed. Malaria remained the most pressing challenge, as 259 residents were tested and 53 confirmed with severe or uncomplicated malaria. Ten surgical cases, including hernia repairs, hydrocelectomies, lipoma removals, and a cyst excision, were successfully handled.
The Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephen Agbor, disclosed that, among the population, 34 eye cases were tested and treated during the program, offering relief to residents who had long suffered impaired vision without access to specialist care.
Women made up nearly 69 percent of the beneficiaries, a figure experts linked to higher health-seeking behavior among females compared to men. Health officials recommended targeted awareness for men and youths to encourage preventive care.
Beneficiaries hailed the initiative. Chief David Amba, Village Head of Etomi, who was treated for arthritis, prostate issues, and hypertension, expressed gratitude to the state government. “I received my prescribed drugs free of charge. I commend the government for remembering us and appeal for more of such interventions to be carried out regularly,” he said.
The outreach concluded with a thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Etomi. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Inah, praised Dr. Ayuk for his humility and commitment. “I want to thank you, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, for your simplicity and availability to serve. This medical outreach brought services to the doorpost of the indigent people of Etomi and neighboring communities,” he said.
