By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has approved the employment of four volunteer health workers who have served for years at Akpet Cottage Hospital in Biase Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced the approval on Thursday during an inspection of the hospital, saying the beneficiaries had helped sustain healthcare delivery in Akpet Central despite working without formal government appointments.
The beneficiaries are Ada Ukam, Esu Ukweni Abo, Blessing Umera and Florence Ahong.
Ayuk directed the hospital management to compile their academic qualifications, years of graduation and length of service for submission to the Civil Service Commission to facilitate their formal appointment.
He said the hospital was initially established through community efforts before being adopted by the state government and upgraded from a Primary Health Care Centre to a Cottage Hospital.
The Commissioner also assured residents of Yakurr and neighbouring communities of the safety of General Hospital, Ugep, ahead of the 10th edition of the Wife of the Governor’s Medical Outreach scheduled for August 9 to 15.
He gave the assurance during an inspection of the Ugep facility, dismissing reports of insecurity and urging residents to disregard unverified information that could discourage them from accessing the free medical services.
According to him, security reports available to the state government did not indicate any conflict or threat in the area, while the hospital was adequately prepared for the five-day exercise.
The Director of Medical Services, Dr Stephen Agbor, said the outreach would provide free surgeries, specialist consultations, medicines, eye care, dental services and paediatric treatment.
The Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ugep, Dr Enya Ideba, said the facility had strengthened its operations and was ready to receive patients throughout the outreach.
