The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River, has urged the state government to quickly address the shortage of healthcare workers in the state.
The Chairman, Dr Ezoke Epoke made the call in an interview on Monday in Calabar.
Epoke said that the current number of doctors and other healthcare personnel in the state was alarmingly low.
He said there was an urgent need to recruit more medical personnel to ensure adequate healthcare delivery in Cross River.
Epoke, a consultant cardiologist at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, commended Gov. Bassey Otu for recently approving the recruitment of 31 medical doctors.
He however stated that the number was grossly low and inadequate to meet the healthcare needs of the state.
“As we speak, there is no state government in the South-South region that does not have up to 100 doctors in its employ.
“Until recently, Cross River had 25 doctors in government service, even with the addition of 31 new doctors, the state may now have about 50 doctors.
“If we distribute 50 doctors across the health facilities in the state, some hospitals may end up with just one, this is far from adequate, given our population,” he stated.
The chairman said that NMA in Cross River would witness tremendous progress under his watch.
“We shall work to ensure better remuneration for health personnel, renovation of general hospitals, tackling of quackery and recruitment of more workers,” he said.
Epoke was elected NMA chairman in Cross River during the association’s scientific week held between Aug. 5 and 11.
Other officials elected to serve in the executive are: Dr Bassey Nakanda, Vice Chairman; Dr Akanimo Ekereuke, Secretary, and Dr Ogbeche Joseph, Assistant Secretary.
NAN
