Governor of Cross river State Bassey Otu, has approved the recruitment of 206 healthcare professionals to address the severe manpower shortage in the state’s health sector.
According to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, they include 31 medical doctors, 22 pharmacists, and 153 nurses. This move demonstrates the Otu administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services for Cross Riverians.
The Commissioner noted that the state’s public health facilities have seen a surge in patients due to renewed confidence in the healthcare system. However, with a population of 3.4 million, the state previously had only 20 doctors and 938 nurses in secondary health facilities, a situation Governor Otu is determined to address.
The newly employed healthcare professionals will significantly bridge the human capacity gap in the Health Ministry, enabling the sector to provide better clinical services in public health facilities across the state. The Commissioner thanked the Governor for his approval and emphasized that the strengthened workforce will improve healthcare service coverage, accessibility, and quality, ultimately benefiting the masses.
The approval has been sent to relevant authorities, including the State Planning Commission, Office of the Head of Service, and Civil Service Commission, to initiate the employment process immediately.
