Akwa, Nigeria – A sense of relief swept through the communities of Akpabuyo and Bakassi, as well as the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Ikot Ene, following the Cross River State Government’s directive to resume medical services and initiate phased renovations at the facility NEGROIDHAVEN has learnt.
Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the State Commissioner for Health, conveyed this directive during an inspection visit to St. Joseph Hospital in Akpabuyo. He expressed deep concern about the extensive damage caused by the 2020 EndSars vandalism, which had left the hospital without medical services, depriving the people of Akpabuyo and Bakassi of essential healthcare.
Dr. Ayuk pledged to assign a medical doctor to the hospital and instructed the hospital management to outline the requirements necessary for reinstating basic healthcare services, with a particular focus on the laboratory, pharmacy, and other critical departments.
“The government of Sen. Bassey Otu is determined to restore services to this facility, which serves both Akpabuyo and Bakassi LGAs. The hospital also requires renovation, which we will undertake in phases, starting with minor upgrades to enable service delivery,” the Commissioner explained.
He commended the hospital’s staff for their dedication and willingness to work in challenging conditions. Additionally, he applauded a youth volunteer group led by Mr. Patrick Edem Bassey, which has been maintaining the hospital’s surroundings and providing a degree of security for the facility.
Following the hospital inspection, the Commissioner met with community leaders to convey the government’s intentions, emphasizing the significance of their role in ensuring the facility’s security.
Dr. Ayuk urged the community to take responsibility for the hospital’s security by establishing an internal security system that would safeguard both the facility and its staff. He stressed that the community’s active involvement was essential for the successful reinstatement of services at the hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the Eneyo Traditional Rulers Council, Chief Francis Ene expressed gratitude to the State Government for its commitment to restoring services at St. Joseph Hospital. He commended Governor Bassey Otu for improving security in Akpabuyo, stating that the exaggerated security concerns could not be substantiated. Chief Ene also highlighted the hospital’s historical significance and called on the government to expedite its revitalization.
The reinstatement of healthcare services at St. Joseph Hospital marks a significant step toward improving the well-being of the communities it serves in Akpabuyo and Bakassi.
