The Director General of Cross River State Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, has revealed that the state's healthcare system has undergone a remarkable transformation under Governor Bassey Otu's administration after years of neglect and deterioration.
Speaking to journalists during their visit to a primary healthcare center in Calabar over the weekend, Dr. Otu described the previous state of healthcare facilities as "devastated and characterized by decaying infrastructure, massive under staffing, loss of public trust, and lack of drugs."
According to her, the dilapidated condition of medical facilities had forced pregnant women and other patients to seek alternative care from native doctors, traditional birth attendants, and chemists rather than using the formal healthcare system.
Dramatic Transformation
"The Primary Health Care system in the state has undergone a dramatic transformation with 94 health facilities already renovated, digitalization ongoing across 196 wards, and immunization rates topping national charts," Dr. Otu explained.
She attributed this progress to funding from multiple sources, including the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), and direct allocations from the state government, which have facilitated renovations across all 18 local government areas.
The renovations include installation of solar-powered electricity systems, solar boreholes for round-the-clock water supply, and complete medical equipment for maternal and child healthcare services.
Improved Maternal Care
A notable improvement in maternal care is the provision of "Mama Kits" at each renovated center. These fully stocked childbirth packages contain essentials for both mother and baby.
"All the mother needs to bring to the hospital is herself and the pregnancy," Dr. Otu emphasized, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the maternal care now available.
Addressing Staffing Shortages
To address the longstanding manpower deficit in the healthcare sector, Dr. Otu revealed that 196 skilled birth attendants have been recruited, along with over 380 newly employed healthcare workers.
These staffing improvements, combined with the infrastructure upgrades, represent a significant step toward restoring public trust in the state's healthcare system and improving health outcomes for Cross River residents.
