Addressing members of the press, Dr Ayuk expressed gratitude for the media’s continued support in promoting the health initiatives of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.
By TheInvestigator
The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, marked his first anniversary in the office yesterday with a media briefing held at Calabar’s Ministry of Health headquarters. The event was part of a series of activities to commemorate the Commissioner’s achievements since his appointment.
Addressing members of the press, Dr Ayuk expressed gratitude for the media’s continued support in promoting the health initiatives of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. He emphasized the critical role the media has played in raising public awareness about health-related matters in the state, describing the local media as “virile and friendly.”
Dr Ayuk outlined the administration’s efforts to revitalize the health sector under the “People First” policy, which aims to enhance the well-being of citizens. He noted that upon his appointment, the health sector was challenging, but through political will and collaboration with stakeholders, significant progress has been made.
Key achievements highlighted by Dr Ayuk included the development of healthcare infrastructure, particularly the renovation of health facilities across the state and the approval of N470 million for the construction of the General Hospital in Ikom. He also emphasized the administration’s efforts to address the shortage of medical personnel by recruiting 33 doctors, 22 pharmacists, and 153 nurses, which he said would greatly enhance service delivery in public health facilities.
Other notable accomplishments included the introduction of free medical outreaches, the fight against quackery through the Health Quality and Anti-Quackery Taskforce, and the subsidization of healthcare services through the Sweet Prince Palliative Health Program. Dr Ayuk also mentioned the accreditation of nursing and midwifery institutions, resource mobilization efforts, and the provision of new vehicles and equipment for tuberculosis and HIV programmes.
The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming his commitment to further improving the health sector in Cross River State, pledging continued efforts towards the total repositioning of the sector for the benefit of all residents.
Dr Ayuk’s address was met with applause, as the media acknowledged the strides made in the health sector under his leadership in just one year. The Commissioner expressed optimism that with sustained effort and collaboration, even greater achievements would be realized in the coming years.