The Cross River State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the state government to urgently address the critical shortage of healthcare workers, describing the current number of doctors as alarmingly low.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Calabar, Dr Ezoke Epoke, the newly elected Chairman of the NMA in Cross River, emphasised the urgent need for more medical personnel to ensure adequate healthcare delivery across the state.
Epoke, a consultant cardiologist at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), commended Governor Bassey Otu for his recent approval to recruit 31 new doctors.
However, he pointed out that this number was still grossly insufficient to meet the healthcare needs of the state.
“Currently, no state in the South-South zone has fewer than 100 doctors employed in its civil service.
“Until recently, Cross River had less than 25 doctors in government service, even with the addition of 31 new doctors, the total would only reach about 50.
“If we distribute 50 doctors across all health facilities in the state, some hospitals will end up with just one doctor, which is far from adequate given our population,” Epoke stated.
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He also outlined his administration’s focus on four key areas aimed at revitalising the state’s healthcare sector, these included advocating for increased remuneration for health workers.
He said they would push for the renovation of General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centers, combating medical quackery and most crucially, pressing for the recruitment of additional health workers within the state civil service.
The NMA recently concluded its Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (AGM/SC) held from Aug. 5 to 11, which culminated in the election and inauguration of new executives, with Dr Epoke assuming the role of chairman.
NAN reports that other elected officials include Dr Bassey Nakanda as Vice Chairman, Dr Akanimo Ekereuke as Secretary, and Dr Ogbeche Joseph as Assistant Secretary, among others. (NAN)