Cross River Set to Launch Universal Health Coverage Coordination Centre
… Gov Otu’s Initiative to Drive Access to Quality Healthcare for All by 2030
By Ebi COLLINS
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the Cross River State Government is set to launch a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Coordination Centre at General Hospital, Calabar, marking a major milestone in the administration’s drive toward accessible and affordable healthcare for every resident.
The State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the facility, describing the initiative as an innovative and visionary move by Governor Bassey Otu to fast-track the realization of Universal Health Coverage in the state.
Dr. Ayuk explained that the Coordination Centre, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will serve as a call, enquiry, and contact centre to provide real-time information on health services and care across the state.
“This initiative reflects His Excellency, Governor Otu’s commitment to ensuring that no Cross Riverian is left behind in accessing quality healthcare,” the Commissioner said. “The facility will not only strengthen service delivery but also enhance accountability, efficiency, and responsiveness in the health system.”
He further noted that the Centre would soon be formally inaugurated by Governor Otu, aligning the state’s health reform agenda with global efforts to achieve universal health coverage by the year 2030.
Dr. Ayuk added that the facility will be fully integrated with the operations of the General Hospital, Calabar, to ensure sustainability and continuous service improvement.
Conducting the Commissioner round the facility, Dr. David Ushie, Consultant Pathologist and Technical Advisor on Universal Health Coverage, said the Centre is equipped with modern information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, cyber systems, and digital tools to support 24-hour service delivery throughout the week.
“This Centre will bridge the communication gap between healthcare providers and the public, enabling prompt access to information, emergency coordination, and health monitoring in real time,” Dr. Ushie stated.
