By Kingsley Agim
The attention of the Cross River State Ministry of Health has been drawn to misleading claims circulating on some blogs alleging gross inadequacy in the number of doctors and nurses in the state. These claims are baseless, deliberately misleading, and intended to downplay the significant strides made by the government of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, in strengthening the healthcare system.
The Otu-led government remains unwavering in its commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to all citizens. As part of this commitment, Cross River State has recorded remarkable progress in various healthcare indices, including achieving the highest immunization coverage in Nigeria (over 95%), surpassing the other 35 states and the FCT in national statistics for 2023 and 2024.
Furthermore, maternal health indices have improved significantly, with reductions in maternal deaths and sicknesses. This progress is backed by a historic increase in health sector budgetary allocation from less than 5% to over 10% within two years, with a targeted budget performance of at least 50% by the end of the current year.
The revitalization of primary healthcare facilities remains a top priority, with about 95 facilities currently being upgraded to provide comprehensive healthcare services across the state. As part of this initiative, at least 4–6 healthcare facilities in each local government area are being enhanced to ensure healthcare access for all citizens and provide referral support for surrounding facilities.
The claim that Cross River State has only 23 doctors and 87 nurses is an outright falsehood designed to mislead the public. The true situation is: The General Hospital Calabar alone employs over 87 nurses and has more than 20 medical doctors, including government staff, locum doctors from UCTH, and NYSC doctors—all paid by the state government; the state government owns 14 secondary health facilities, each with medical professionals delivering critical services; a total, 554 nurses are employed in public hospitals by the government, in addition to 70 nurses and medical laboratory staff supporting faith-based hospitals in Ikom, Monaya Ogoja, Obudu, and Yahe.
Recently, following the approval of Governor Bassey Otu for additional 31 doctors, 153 nurses, and 20 pharmacists, the Cross River State Civil Service Commission concluded the engagement of 206 new medical personnel to further strengthen healthcare delivery.
It is, therefore, misleading and mischievous to claim that only 23 doctors serve a population of 3 million.
Healthcare delivery is not solely the responsibility of the government. Globally, healthcare is a product of strategic partnerships between government, private sector players, development partners, and faith-based organizations. In Cross River State, these collaborations play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare.
The state is on track to have 60 doctors in government hospitals and 20 in the LGA/PHC system by the end of the year. Despite the JAPA syndrome leading to the migration of healthcare workers, Cross River remains home to 450 doctors in UCTH and National Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar; at least 40 private doctors registered in the state; an annual contribution of 15 NYSC doctors, 14 doctors from faith-based hospitals, and 10 doctors from development partners.
Overall, there are at least 500 medical doctors and over 800 nurses practicing in the state.
The misleading information being circulated on social media is nothing more than an attempt to distract from the unprecedented progress being made under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. The public is urged to disregard these falsehoods and recognize the ongoing efforts to transform the healthcare sector in Cross River State.
The government remains focused on achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that every citizen has access to quality and affordable healthcare. While constructive criticism is welcome, deliberate misrepresentation of facts will not be tolerated. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide accurate updates on the state’s healthcare system and the government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of all Cross Riverians.
Agim, writes from the Information Unit of the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Calabar.
