Cross River Government to Investigate Removal of Primary Healthcare Facility

On Oct 25, 2023

The Cross River State Government has ordered an investigation into the alleged attempt by a health worker to illegally remove equipment from one of its Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC).

The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk made the disclosure sequel to a video on social media, which showed how people of Bebuabie community in Obudu local government area stiffly resisted the removal of equipment from their PHC.

The video showed the alleged suspect, who happens to be the Coordinator of the Bebuabie Primary Health Centre, arrive on board a Hiace bus tagged, “Cross River State Government Primary Health Care Development Agency 014C” with plate number CR 876 A01.

The youths resisted the removal of the equipment for lack of information to the community leaders and other staff of the Primary Healthcare Centre.

Dr. Ayuk stated, “We will investigate the matter and if anyone is found guilty that person would be sanctioned in line with the extant rules of the civil service, noting that the Governor Bassey Otu led administration would not condone acts that are inimical to development and the wellbeing of citizens.”

The commissioner further stated, “I have directed the Permanent Secretary in the ministry to liaise with that of the Cross River Primary Health Care Development Agency and unravel the truth or falsity of the allegation; and report to government for further necessary action.

“On my part, I will be visiting Obudu and Obanliku local government areas including the PHC in Bebuabie to verify the allegations making the rounds on social media,” Ayuk indicated.

He commended the people of Bebuabie community for taking the bold initiative to foil the attempted removal of equipment from the facility that also serves nearby villages and urged other villages and people to emulate the action of the people by protecting social amenities government provided for their communities.

He added, “I am cautioning anyone with similar sinister motives to back off as government would stop at nothing to ensure that whoever tries to thwart the drive to achieve universal coverage by strengthening the health sector of the State, is punished.”