The Etomi community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, along with other neighbouring villages, witnessed a life-changing intervention over the weekend as 295 residents accessed free healthcare during a two-day medical outreach organised to mark the second anniversary of Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk’s appointment as Commissioner for Health.

The 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 Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project.

Over 250 consultations were recorded, 262 residents were screened for diabetes, and 259 tested for malaria. Twelve new diabetic cases were diagnosed, while 53 patients were confirmed with severe or uncomplicated malaria. Additionally, 34 residents received eye treatment, and 10 surgical procedures were successfully carried out, including hernia repairs, hydrocelectomies, lipoma excisions, and cyst removals. Essential medicines were distributed free of charge to all patients.

Dr. Ayuk described the outreach as both a 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 revitalisation of this facility in my community is symbolic of the government’s commitment to primary health care across the state,” he said.

The commissioner stated that since Governor Otu took office, 96 PHCs have been upgraded, and more than 230 doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists have been engaged and deployed to general hospitals. He also mentioned that the state’s health insurance scheme is being expanded to include the informal sector, with the Governor’s wife already enrolling 500 elderly persons in Calabar for free care.

“Beyond the outreach, the Otu administration has raised health budget allocation from less than six per cent to over 10 per cent 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 pointed out.

Looking back on his stewardship, Dr. Ayuk rated the health reforms a “six out of 10” so far, assuring Cross Riverians that with God’s grace and ongoing support, more would be achieved in the coming years.

Dr. Paul Odey, Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, praised the outreach as timely and impactful, stressing that many rural dwellers cannot afford essential services. Retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Effiong Ayi, also commended the revitalisation of the Etomi PHC, describing it as a milestone that now supports surgical interventions previously unavailable in the community.

The Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephen Agbor, stated that treating 34 eye cases during the outreach was a significant relief for residents who had long suffered from impaired vision. Meanwhile, Hon. Chris Ushuasung, Director of Human Resource for Health, confirmed that women accounted for nearly 69 per cent of beneficiaries, indicating higher health-seeking behaviour among females compared to men.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude. The Village Head of Etomi, Chief David Amba, who received treatment for arthritis, prostate issues, 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 the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Inah, lauded 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 doorsteps of the indigent people of Etomi and neighbouring communities,” he said.