Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector and assured medical professionals of sustained collaboration to improve service delivery across the state.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State Chapter, at the Government House, Calabar.
Otu expressed appreciation for the association’s recognition of his administration’s efforts in the health sector, noting that such feedback serves as motivation for improved performance.

“I am happy because it is one thing to do something, and it is also important for different actors to appreciate it,” he said.
The governor commended the association for upholding professional values, stressing that integrity, transparency, and honesty remain essential to effective healthcare delivery.

“These are values I hold dearly—integrity, transparency, honesty, and a sincere consideration of problems. I know you will not let me down,” he told the delegation.
Otu acknowledged concerns raised by the association and assured them of further engagement to address the issues.

“You have raised some important matters. I believe we will have to meet again to look at them more closely,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of healthcare to development, the governor described the sector as central to governance priorities.
“Health is the most important thing. When I hear medical matters, I pay attention because it affects everyone,” he said.

He assured the delegation of his administration’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state, while stressing that due process and collective interest would guide government decisions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NMA in Cross River State, Dr. Epoke Ezoke, commended the governor for what the association described as significant progress in revitalising the state’s healthcare system.

He cited improvements in infrastructure, welfare, and policy direction, which he said have positively impacted medical practice in the state.
The association also praised the administration’s openness to dialogue and responsiveness to the needs of healthcare professionals.

The delegation further sought the governor’s support for a Cross River indigene, Prof. Ofem Enang, who is contesting for the presidency of the national body of the association.
They expressed confidence in his capacity to lead and said such backing would enhance the state’s visibility within the national medical community.