Cross River’s Health Workforce Gets a Boost as Commissioner Sends Strong Message: “Go Where You’re Needed”
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River State has ushered in a new generation of health workers with a firm call to duty and discipline, as the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, delivered a no-nonsense charge to newly recruited employees of the Ministry of Health during their official orientation held on Monday in Calabar.
The workshop, attended by 120 successful recruits from across the medical, paramedical, and administrative fields, marks the beginning of what state officials have described as a “renewed commitment to community-driven healthcare delivery.”
In a passionate address, Dr. Ayuk did not mince words: “If you are not ready to go to work, kindly return your appointment letter.” He emphasized that the government would no longer accommodate a health workforce concentrated in the capital while rural facilities remain grossly understaffed. He revealed that over 80 percent of health workers are currently based in Calabar, even though some hospitals in the hinterlands do not have more than four nurses or a single pharmacist. “We will post you where you are needed, not where it is convenient,” he warned.
The Commissioner stressed that personal considerations, such as spousal location or urban preference, would not influence deployment decisions. “Do not come to me saying you have a husband in a particular town. Your prayer should be, ‘God, wherever I am posted, help me make an impact.’”
While his tone was stern, Dr. Ayuk also expressed optimism about the future of the state’s health sector, describing the new recruits as a promising team that will help reposition healthcare delivery across Cross River.
Joining him at the event, Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, welcomed the recruits into the system and urged them to align with the values of public service — discipline, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
He noted that the health sector under Dr. Ayuk’s leadership is driven, reform-minded, and committed to rebuilding public confidence in healthcare institutions. He urged the recruits to take pride in their new roles and contribute meaningfully to transforming the system.
Also speaking, Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, Special Adviser to the Governor on Nursing Education, hailed the administration of Governor Bassey Otu for strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce through new recruitments. She described the orientation as a crucial starting point for long-term career growth and encouraged the new staff to take the sessions seriously. According to her, how they begin their journey in public service will shape their future and influence the impact they make in communities.
Throughout the event, top technocrats in the health ministry facilitated expository sessions designed to prepare the recruits for the responsibilities ahead. Mrs. Omini Isu John delivered a detailed lecture on civil service ethics and adherence to rules and regulations. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Etim Ayi, focused his session on professional ethics and workplace conduct.
Dr. Sunday Obeten, Director of Medical Laboratory Services, explored the role of laboratory scientists in modern healthcare delivery, while Pharmacist Sunday Ezong presented on the evolving responsibilities of pharmacy professionals. Mrs. Roseline Obojor-Ogar, Director of Nursing Services, discussed work ethics and job descriptions, and Mr. Agba William, Director of Administration, offered guidance on documentation following appointment.
On the sidelines of the event, newly recruited employees Akam Ori and Eucharia Agim described the orientation as empowering and enlightening. They expressed appreciation to the state government for the rare opportunity to serve and pledged their commitment to making a difference in their respective postings.
The orientation is part of the government’s broader plan to decentralize health services and address human resource shortages, particularly in underserved areas. With the workshop concluded, the new staff are expected to report to their assigned facilities in the coming days, many of them in rural communities where their skills and service are most urgently needed.
