About 1,072 patients yesterday got medical attention, with over 93 free surgeries accomplished when wife of Cross River State governor, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey led a team of medical experts for Medical Outreach to Ikom LGA area (the headquarters) of Cross River Central Senatorial district of the state.
The three days Medical Outreach also had about 1,043 counselling, 95 lab/ investigations cases, 73 Dental cases, 285 eye cases and 55 referrals.
Patients turned up from Yakurr, Obubra, Etung, Boki, Ikom and refugees’ camps for the outreach.
Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, expressed happiness over the turnout of patients who thronged out enmass to receive medical attention.
“God willing, I intend to sustain it by attracting sponsors, foundations, and NGOs to collaborate with us.
“We will also plead with the government to support us. My motivation for this project is out of the Bible’s admonition to love our neighborr as ourselves.
“It’s my pet project tagged Humanity Without Borders Initiative. Putting up smiles on people’s faces gives me joy and fulfillment,” she said.
Earlier, director for Primary Healthcare for Ikom local government area of the state, Mrs Anthonia Owan, appreciated the Governor’s wife for embarking in the health intervention programme.
Owan appealed for upgrade of comprehensive healthcare facility in the area to a General Hospital which was latter given a nod by the state governor.
“From Monday 4th December 2023, thousands of people have benefited from free medical treatment, ranging from the most complex surgeries to general treatments.
“Your Excellency, permit me to request for the immediate upgrading of the facility to a General Hospital as Ikom as large as it is, has no government General Hospital.
“Employment of more health workers, and motivation of health workers in the state, through implementation of their promotions, provision of basic consumables and utility vehicles.”
Upon arrival at the venue of the medical outreach, Gov Otu gave approval for the upgrade of the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare CPHCC) in Ikom, into a General Hospital with effect from next week perhaps to make sure that he keep to his “People First Mantra”/ campaign promise.
