"Those Criticising Our Health Sector Are Politically Frustrated" — Ayuk Fires Back as Otu Approves New Hospital Projects

The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, has hit back at critics of the state's healthcare sector, suggesting that many of those attacking Governor Bassey Otu's record are ignoring visible progress on the ground.

Ayuk spoke as the state government announced fresh interventions targeting secondary healthcare facilities, including the renovation of General Hospital, Ukem, Cottage Hospital, Oban, and the commencement of civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo.

According to the commissioner, criticisms portraying the health sector as neglected do not reflect the reality of the administration's investments since Governor Otu assumed office.

"Anyone who objectively assesses what this administration has done in the health sector will acknowledge that significant progress has been made," Ayuk said, pointing to the rehabilitation of more than 100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.

He argued that some of the harshest critics of the government appear unwilling to acknowledge achievements recorded in the sector, despite ongoing projects and increased investments.

Ayuk highlighted what he described as major milestones under the current administration, including the recruitment of over 2,000 health workers, improved welfare packages for medical personnel, the lifting of the employment embargo in the health sector, and the establishment of the Cross River State Hospital Management Board.

The commissioner maintained that the government's healthcare reform programme was deliberately designed to begin with primary healthcare facilities before extending to general hospitals and other secondary health institutions.

"After strengthening primary healthcare services across the state, we are now moving aggressively into the secondary healthcare sector to ensure residents have access to quality medical care closer to their communities," he said.

The latest intervention, he noted, demonstrates Governor Otu's commitment to rebuilding public healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery across the state.

Ayuk further assured residents that more hospitals and healthcare facilities would benefit from future interventions as the government continues its effort to create a modern and efficient healthcare system.

The development comes amid ongoing political debates over the state of public healthcare in Cross River, with opposition voices questioning the pace of reforms. However, the government insists that its record speaks for itself and that the results of its investments are already visible across communities.