Otu Approves 100% Salary Increase for Doctors in C'River

.recruits 2,000 health workers

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has approved a 100 percent salary increase for medical doctors in the state.

He also authorized the recruitment of more than 2,000 health workers and released funds for the renovation of three public hospitals, marking a sweeping overhaul of the state’s health sector.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed the developments while briefing journalists in Calabar, describing them as milestones in Governor Otu’s ongoing healthcare reform agenda.

Dr. Ayuk said that funds had been approved for the renovation of General Hospital Ukem and Cottage Hospital Oban, as well as for civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo.

“Governor Bassey Otu has approved the release of funds for the renovation of General Hospital Ukem and Cottage Hospital Oban, as well as the commencement of civil works at the abandoned General Hospital complex in Akpabuyo,” he said. “This is a continuation of our determined efforts to revamp public hospitals across the state following the very successful revitalization of over 100 primary healthcare facilities within the last two years.”

The Commissioner noted that the administration’s healthcare transformation began with a massive upgrade of primary healthcare facilities, resulting in the revitalisation of more than 100 PHCs across the state within two years.

Addressing allegations that the Otu administration was neglecting the health sector for political reasons, Ayuk said the facts on the ground spoke for themselves. “Those alleging neglect of the health sector are merely expressing political frustrations. Governor Otu increased fiscal allocation to the health sector by over 100 percent, lifted the embargo on employment and recruited over 2,000 health workers.”

“He also approved a 100 percent salary increase for doctors, enhanced allowances for health personnel and established the Hospital Management Board. These are not the actions of a government that intends to neglect healthcare,” Ayuk added.

He added that the increased investment had improved service delivery across the state and laid a solid foundation for the transformation of secondary and tertiary health institutions.

The post Otu approves 100% salary increase for doctors in C’River appeared first on Vanguard News.