By Ike Uchechukwu
The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the state.
The assurance was given yesterday by the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, during the First Quarter Meeting of the Cross River State Task Force on Primary Health Care Services, held to review progress recorded in the sector.
Odey, who chairs the Task Force, presided over the meeting at the State Library Complex in Calabar and commended members for the measurable improvements in primary healthcare service delivery across the state.
He also applauded development partners, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organization, UNICEF, IVAC, AFENET, and the IMPACT Project, for their sustained support and collaboration, noting that their contributions align with the People First agenda of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration.
The Deputy Governor stressed the need for stronger synergy among relevant health agencies and local government councils to consolidate the gains already recorded. He disclosed that the state government has consistently provided counterpart funding to strengthen the health sector and other critical areas of development.
Odey further highlighted Cross River State’s pioneering role in healthcare reform, noting that the state is among the first in Nigeria to implement a health insurance policy aimed at improving access to affordable, quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.
He also commended public-spirited individuals and public office holders for enrolling vulnerable persons and constituents in the state health insurance scheme, enabling them to access healthcare services at no cost.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, council chairmen and development partners for their collective efforts in improving health indices and the overall health status of residents.
Ayuk urged participants to engage meaningfully in deliberations to help chart a sustainable path for the state’s healthcare system.
In her presentation, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Vivien Mesembe Otu, outlined the achievements of the Task Force and presented strategic plans to further strengthen healthcare services across communities.
Goodwill messages from representatives of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organization, UNICEF, International Vaccine Access Center, IMPACT Project, African Field Epidemiology Network, Christian Health Association of Nigeria and other partners commended the state government for its leadership and commitment to healthcare development.
The partners also expressed gratitude to Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu for providing an enabling environment that allows effective collaboration in the health sector.
They expressed optimism that Cross River State would record impressive coverage during the forthcoming Measles Rubella Vaccine Introduction campaign scheduled to commence on February 4, further strengthening preventive healthcare efforts across the state.
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