By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital Calabar to enhance healthcare delivery and improve medical services across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, gave the assurance recently while receiving the Medical Director of the hospital, Commodore Amodu Muhammed, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the ministry.
Dr. Ayuk described the Navy hospital as a critical pillar in the state’s healthcare system, noting that its consistency in service delivery, especially during industrial actions in other health institutions, has made it a reliable alternative for residents.
“For us, the Navy hospital in Calabar is a very important safeguard for sustainable healthcare services. When other institutions experience service disruptions, the hospital remains operational and continues to serve the people,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized the need for stronger collaboration in areas such as data sharing, medical training, and specialist support, stressing that harmonized health data is essential for effective planning and policy formulation.
He also disclosed that the state would intensify regulatory oversight of healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with professional standards, adding that the ministry would soon commence visits to facilities to strengthen coordination and data reporting.
Dr. Ayuk further highlighted opportunities for collaboration in medical training, particularly in residency programmes and specialist support services, noting that the Navy hospital’s capacity in areas such as radiology and obstetrics could complement state health services.
He assured the delegation of the state government’s willingness to facilitate higher-level engagements, including with Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to address areas of mutual interest.
Earlier, Commodore Amodu Muhammed said the visit was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, noting that the hospital remains open to both military personnel and civilians.
He explained that the 100-bed tertiary facility offers a wide range of specialized services, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, and public health interventions.
According to him, over 60 percent of patients treated at the hospital are civilians, with more than 12,000 patient encounters recorded between January and March 2026, alongside about 150 deliveries, 250 surgeries, and nearly 900 admissions within the period.
The Medical Director added that the hospital also serves as a training centre for medical professionals, including resident doctors, interns, and students from various institutions, including the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jonah Offor, commended the hospital for its quality service delivery and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustained partnership.
He noted that the collaboration had previously yielded positive outcomes, including during the management of public health emergencies, assuring that the state remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any emerging health threats.
