In a move to strengthen healthcare delivery in Cross River, the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu has approved  a 100 per cent salary increase for docrors in the state and  fiscal allocation to the health sector by over 100 percent as well as the recruitment of 2,000 additional health workers.

The commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Calabar, announcing that the embargo on employment in the health sector has also been lifted.

Ayuk said Governor Otu approved the salary increase for doctors alongside enhanced allowances for other health personnel and the establishment of the Cross River State Hospital Management Board.

The commissioner further revealed that the government has released funds for the renovation of General Hospital, Ukem, and Cottage Hospital, Oban, as well as the commencement of civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo.

According to him, the projects are part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to revitalise public healthcare institutions and improve access to quality medical services across the state.

“Governor Bassey Otu has approved the release of funds for the renovation of General Hospital Ukem and Cottage Hospital Oban, as well as the commencement of civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo,” he said.

Ayuk noted that the latest intervention follows the successful revitalisation of more than 100 primary healthcare centres across the state within the last two years, describing it as evidence of the administration’s commitment to rebuilding healthcare infrastructure.

He dismissed claims that the health sector had been neglected, maintaining that the Otu administration has increased funding to healthcare by more than 100 per cent since assuming office.

The commissioner said the increased investment has improved service delivery and laid a solid foundation for the ongoing transformation of secondary and tertiary health institutions.

He described the establishment of the Hospital Management Board, following the signing of the enabling law by Governor Otu, as a major institutional reform aimed at strengthening the administration and efficiency of public hospitals.

Ayuk assured residents that all healthcare facilities in the state would benefit from the government’s reform agenda, which seeks to build a modern, efficient and accessible healthcare system for all Cross Riverians.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, manpower development and service delivery as part of broader efforts to improve the quality of life of citizens across the state.