There has been an approval from Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State for the hiring of an additional 31 medical doctors, 22 pharmacists, and 153 nurses within the state’s health sector. This decision aims to tackle the shortage of manpower in the sector.
Confirming this update in Calabar on Wednesday was the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk.
Dr. Ayuk mentioned that this action signifies the state government’s dedication to enhancing the health and wellness of Cross Riverians. People’s trust in the improved healthcare service delivery by the current administration has led to an unprecedented increase in individuals seeking health services from state-owned public health facilities.
The Commissioner emphasized that the introduction of new staff into the health sector will aid in closing the human capacity gap in the Health Ministry and providing the necessary manpower to conduct clinical activities in public health facilities across the state.
Prior to this decision, the number of doctors had declined to 20, while the state possessed 938 nurses.