Cross River to Complete Ogoja Dialysis Centre as Otu Releases Funds
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the release of funds for the completion of a kidney dialysis centre at the General Hospital in Ogoja.
The project is expected to improve access to dialysis services for residents of the state's northern senatorial district, many of whom currently travel outside the area to receive treatment.
Announcing the approval in Calabar on Friday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the governor's decision was part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and provide quality medical services across the state.
He said the intervention became necessary because of the increasing number of kidney-related cases and the absence of a functional dialysis referral centre in Northern Cross River.
According to Ayuk, patients in need of dialysis often travel to Makurdi, Abakaliki and Calabar for treatment, a situation that places additional financial, physical and emotional pressure on them and their families.
He disclosed that the approved funds would be used to complete the remaining civil works needed before dialysis equipment is installed at the proposed kidney centre.
The commissioner said the facility would reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the district and improve access to life-saving care for people living with kidney disease.
Ayuk thanked Governor Otu for approving the project, describing it as another step towards improving healthcare services in the state.
He also assured residents that the Ministry of Health would ensure the funds are properly utilised so that work on the project is completed without unnecessary delays.
