Health Ministry, Asset Management Office Partner to Secure Hospitals, PHCs Across Cross Rive
By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Government has announced a new collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery to protect health facilities across the state from encroachment and vandalism.
This development comes on the heels of Médecins Sans Frontières’ (MSF) handover of healthcare facilities in Akor and Ndebeji communities of Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the international humanitarian organisation concluded a three-year intervention.
At a dinner held in honour of MSF, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, said Governor Bassey Otu had directed that health facilities must be safeguarded from illegal land grabbing and encroachment, which often expose them to insecurity and deterioration.
Dr. Ayuk disclosed that the Ministry of Health will work closely with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), to survey and properly document all health facility lands.
“The investment put together by MSF runs into millions. Once land is compromised, facilities become vulnerable to vandalism and theft. That is why we are partnering with Asset Management and Recovery to secure every health facility in the state. This is the directive of the Governor,” Dr. Ayuk stressed.
On his part, Barr. Agbor assured that his office would prioritise health facilities in the ongoing asset documentation drive. He emphasised that protecting public health infrastructure from encroachment by host communities or other elements is essential to the sustainability of investments made by government and partners.
Community representative, Ntufam Owor Okon Itogim, pledged the cooperation of Akor and Ndebeji people in sustaining the facilities.
“We supported MSF by protecting and maintaining these facilities, and we will extend the same commitment to the government and new partners,” he assured.
The Director General of CRSPHCDA, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, described MSF’s exit as a “huge loss,” but noted that the agency would continue to engage the government to address logistics challenges, including collapsed infrastructure and outreach support.
Earlier, MSF Logistics Coordinator, Junior Ndayiziga, speaking for the Head of Mission, Mr. Mohammed Dalal, lauded the partnership with the state and local communities, stressing that it made a real difference in the lives of underserved populations.
The event climaxed with MSF presenting awards to health stakeholders for their commitment throughout the organisation’s work in Cross River. Awardees included Dr. Ayuk; Dr. Vivien Otu; Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Jonah Offor and Barr. Lucy Enakirerhi; and State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, among others.
