Directors of Primary Health Care (PHC) across 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State have raised alarm over dilapidated health infrastructure in the state, especially in the rural areas.
The Directors also lamented the broken down vehicles which have hindered healthcare operations, leading to the inability to reach local people in the hinterlands.
During their courtesy call on the state Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, the Directors also drew his attention to the continued decrease in the numerical strength of health personnel as well as the very poor funding for their activities in the rural areas.
The PHC Director for Yala Local Government, Dr Mrs Augustina Okem who spoke on behalf of others, however, thanked the new state government for the zeal in repositioning primary healthcare in the state.
“We want to acknowledge the efforts of the state deputy governor, and importantly, too, that of the government which is poised to revamp the sector.
“We are happy to see that efforts are on to ensure that PHC gets support and counterpart funding for our programmes.”
Okem’s counterpart in Ikom LGA, Mrs Anthonia Owan, expressed satisfaction with the warm reception from Odey, praying that God will use him to relieve some of the tensions they have been passing through.
Responding, Odey assured that the issues mentioned will receive speedy attention as soon as their document is received.
“I want to assure you that quarterly inspections will be carried out to revitalize the sector. This is about improving the working conditions and making provisions for imprest.
“My doors will always remain open so that quarterly we will carry out an inspection to see the ones we have done and the ones we need to do”.
