…Surgeries, consultations, eye treatments highlight impact of community-based health reform
By Kingsley Agim
Etomi community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State and surrounding villages came alive over the weekend as 295 residents benefited from a free medical outreach organized to mark the second anniversary of Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk as Commissioner for Health.
The two-day outreach, held at the newly renovated Etomi Primary Health Centre (PHC), was conducted in partnership with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the World Bank–assisted Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project).
The intervention delivered over 250 medical consultations, 262 diabetes screenings, and 259 malaria tests. Twelve new cases of diabetes were diagnosed, and 53 residents were confirmed with severe or uncomplicated malaria. Thirty-four patients with eye conditions received treatment, while 10 surgical operations, including hernia repairs, hydrocelectomies, lipoma excisions, and cyst removal, were successfully carried out. All patients were also given essential drugs free of charge.
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Speaking at the event, Dr. Ayuk described the outreach as both an act of thanksgiving and a demonstration of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda. “This is my second year in office, and I felt it was necessary to celebrate by showcasing what His Excellency is doing in the health sector. The revitalization of this facility in my community is symbolic of government’s commitment to primary health care across the state,” he said.
The Commissioner highlighted major reforms under the Otu administration, including the upgrade of 96 PHCs, recruitment of over 3,000 health workers, and deployment of more than 230 doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists to general hospitals. He also noted the expansion of the state health insurance scheme to the informal sector, citing the Governor’s wife’s initiative to enroll 500 elderly persons in Calabar for free care.
“Beyond this outreach, the Otu administration has raised health budget allocation from less than six percent to over 10 percent of the state’s total budget. The government is also completing abandoned hospitals in Oban and Akpabuyo, with plans underway for new general and cottage hospitals,” he added.
Looking back on his stewardship, Dr. Ayuk rated the reforms “six out of ten” so far, assuring Cross Riverians that with God’s grace and public support, more progress would be achieved in the years ahead.
The Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr. Paul Odey, commended the outreach as timely, noting that many rural dwellers struggle to access or afford essential medical services. Similarly, retired Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Effiong Ayi, praised the revitalization of the Etomi PHC, describing it as a milestone that now makes surgical interventions possible at the community level.
The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Stephen Agbor, confirmed that the treatment of 34 eye cases provided relief for residents who had endured impaired vision for years. Hon. Chris Ushuasung, Director of Human Resource for Health, also revealed that nearly 69 percent of beneficiaries were women, reflecting higher health-seeking behavior among females.
Beneficiaries were visibly grateful. The Village Head of Etomi, Chief David Amba, who received treatment for arthritis, prostate complications, and hypertension, described the intervention as life-saving. “I received my prescribed drugs free of charge. I commend the government for remembering us and appeal for more of such interventions to be carried out regularly,” he said.
The outreach concluded with a thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Etomi, where Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Inah, applauded Dr. Ayuk’s humility and dedication. “I want to thank you, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, for your simplicity and availability to serve. This medical outreach brought services to the doorpost of the indigent people of Etomi and neighboring communities,” he declared, commending the Otu-led government for its people-centred approach to governance.
After the service, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, hosted the Commissioner’s guests to a lavish reception at his palatial country home. The reception drew glowing compliments from Etung leaders and visitors, who praised both Barr. Agbor’s hospitality and Dr. Ayuk’s commitment to grassroots health reforms.
The thanksgiving was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Etung political leader Prince Ebuta Ojong Ayuk; Chairman of Etung LGA, Hon. Henry Anom; Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu; statesman and former Commissioner Ntufam Gabriel Odu Oji; former Commissioner Patrick Ebam Emanghe; former Council Chairman Dr. Kuti Inok; Leader of the Etung Legislative Council, Hon. Ekubnse ThankGod, alongside other legislators, political stalwarts, the Paramount Ruler of Etung and members of his council, and several support groups.
