C'River First Lady Relishes Free Medical Outreaches' Impact On Cross Riverians As Initiative Kick-start In North
By Ebi COLLINS
Humanitarian Champion and Wife of the Governor of Cross River, Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, on Monday, flagged off Free Medical Outreach for the state's northern senatorial district, expressing relish for the initiative's huge impact on the people, especially the vulnerable population.
The First Lady, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, reflected on the remarkable successes of previous outreaches in the southern and central senatorial districts, and acknowledged the transformative power of collective action.
"Data harvested from these endeavours, shows 1907 General Consultations, 122 Surgeries, 105 Laboratory Investigations, 96 Dental Care procedures, and 341 Eye Services rendered in the Central Senatorial District; as well as 2,087 general consultations, 156 surgeries, 211 laboratory investigations, 178 dental care, and 349 eye services in the Southern Senatorial District," She revealed, adding that "these strides speak volume of the profound impact these free medical outreaches have had on the lives of our people."
Describing health as not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, the new face of humanitarianism (Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu) noted that it was incumbent upon the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to ensure healthcare accessibility to all, while looking forward to doubling the successes already recorded with the flag-off of the exercise in Northern Senatorial District, in Ogoja, tagged Free Medical Outreach 4.0.
Consistent with the 'People First' agenda of the present administration, Rev Otu reaffirmed her "commitment to fostering a healthier and more prosperous society by investing in the health and well-being of the people."
She also thanked the commitment of the initiative's partners, Faith Care International Outreach, Hadiza Musa Ofoboche Foundation, and and Cross River State Ministry of Health in attending to the health needs of the people.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Wife of the Governor on NGO, Mr. Jeffrey Adamade, said the Free Medical Outreach is executed by Her Excellency, Rev Otu's pet project, Humanity Without Borders, in partnership with Faith Care International Outreach, among others to cater to the health needs of the poor and downtrodden.
The Special Adviser pointed out that the Free Medical Outreach 4.0. completes the circle, having early held same in the southern and central parts of the state.
In their separate remarks, members of the House of Assembly and Commissioners from the north, led by the Deputy Speaker, Sylvester Agabi and Hon. Patrick Egbede, respectively, including Dr. Comfort Oko, Her Excellency's Special Adviser - Administration, hailed the visionary initiative of Rev Otu and spoke glowingly of the huge impact the free medical outreaches have made on Cross Riverians.
Barely few hours after the flag-off, 438 persons registered for Cards, 56 Laboratory entries, 47 for Eye Care, eight persons for Dental services,185 Counselling and 15 for surgical procedures.
The event climaxed with visit to a woman who was successfully delivered of twins, with the delegation of government officials present at the event unanimously naming the duo Bassey and Eyoanwan, respectively, being names of the head and spouse of the first family of Cross River state.
