CRSG Declares State Of Emergency On Health Sector

... Sets Measures To Address Ailing Human Resource Situation 

By Kingsley Agim 

Cross River Government has declared the human resource crisis in the health sector an emergency situation in the State. 

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, while addressing newsmen over recent public outcry on the deplorable nature of healthcare services in the State, said the Senator Bassey Otu-led administration is taking urgent steps to address the ailing situation in the sector.

Dr. Ayuk noted that, in its avowed commitment to improve the standard of health services in the State, Governor Otu has graciously lifted employment embargo to allow recruitment of critical staff, and directed expedited action on the ongoing process of staff recruitment.

"The governor had also directed the Ministry of Health to redeploy critical health personnel from urban locations to underserved rural communities, commence implementation of improved conditions of service for health staff to align with what is obtained in federal service, as well as engagement of contract staff as a stop gap," he added.

He also hinted that the present administration is making efforts to revitalise at least one primary healthcare centre in each political ward in the State to address shortages in infrastructure, human resources and other services, as well as capture existing gaps across the State in the 2024 budget for a complete overhaul of the health sector.

The Health Commissioner further appealed to Cross Rivererians to be patient as the present health care situation though an inherited liability and not peculiar to only Cross River State, the Otu-led government is resolved to revamp the health sector of the State.