C'River govt to approve health projects for LGAs – Ivara Esu

Prof. Ivara Esu commissioning the primary healthcare centre in Calabar

By Eteng Kebeh

The Cross River State Government says henceforth it will only approve projects for Local Government Councils that are aimed at improving Primary Healthcare of its people.

The Acting Governor, Professor Ivara Esu stated this, while commissioning the Ultra-Modern Healthcare Centre at the premises of Government Science School, Mayne Avenue Calabar South.

Esu remarked that, Government will put a policy in place whereby all Local Government Councils will ensure that, whatever money generated will be put into Healthcare projects.

He noted that, of the 29 Health Centres in Calabar South, only eight are in Government structures and commended the leadership of Calabar South Local Government in its development of facilities.

The Acting Governor assured Health Workers in the State of Governor Ayade’s intervention in the Health Sector especially in the areas of establishment and construction.

He thanked all Stake Holders in the Healthcare sector in Calabar South for the successful completion and commissioning of the first Ultra-Modern Healthcare Centre in the area.

He promised to look into the request made by Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Calabar South for fencing of the Health Centre.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Joseph Bassey emphasized that, issues of Health all over the world remains paramount to any Government that has the interest of its Citizens at heart.

Mr. Bassey posited that the commissioning of the ultra – Modern Health Centre in his constituency is remarkable in the history of Calabar South and assured the people of Calabar South of appropriate legislation aimed at improving the Health Care need of the people.

On her part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong said, the establishment of the Health Facility in Calabar South was to achieve universal Health coverage in line with the Federal Governments Health policy.

She maintained that, the facility located in Ward 12 will go a long way in reducing infant mortality rate in the area and encourage the citizenry to take advantage of the Health facility to improve the Health status of their Children and pregnant women.

The Director – General, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu thanked Governor Ben Ayade for being Healthcare friendly and all stakeholders who have contributed to the realization of the project.

The Head of Local Government Administration Calabar South, Rev. Christiana Elemi intimated that, the project which began in February, 2018, was funded from Internally Generated Revenue of the Council.

She explained that, the Health Sector had lost several opportunities of receiving assistance from Civil Society Organization (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other donor agencies due to lack of accommodation, commissioning of the first Ultra-Modern Health Care Centre in the area is therefore a welcomed development.

Mrs. Elemi appealed to the State Government to assist the Council in the areas of fencing, furnishing and security for effective and conducive operation to enable the council achieve the desired objective.