By Onwa Ekor
Worried by the challenges experienced by patients who travel long distances to access treatment, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has granted funding approval for the completion of a dialysis centre at the General Hospital, Ogoja.
This gesture, the governor reasoned, has become imperative to not only improve access to healthcare, but bridge a critical gap in renal healthcare through life-saving dialysis services for citizens, especially those residing in the northern senatorial district of the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, who disclosed this in Calabar said, the intervention reflects Otu’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality medical services across the state.
Ayuk explained that the decision was informed by the rising incidence of kidney failure and the absence of a functional dialysis referral centre in the northern part of the state.
He noted that patients requiring renal dialysis often undertake difficult and costly journeys to medical facilities in Makurdi, Abakaliki and Calabar, a development which exposes them to additional physical, emotional and financial hardship while seeking life-saving care.
“The governor has approved the release of funds to commence and complete the outstanding civil works required for the installation of dialysis equipment at the proposed Kidney Centre in General Hospital, Ogoja,” the Commissioner said.
He added that the intervention represents a strategic investment in the health sector that will substantially reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the district, while improving survival outcomes for people living with kidney diseases.
Ayuk who lauded Otu for prioritising the health needs of Cross River residents, remarked that the feat remains an additional scorecard of the administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering people-centred healthcare under its development agenda.
He assured that the Ministry of Health would ensure the prompt and transparent utilization of the approved funds to facilitate the timely completion of the project and the commencement of dialysis services.
Upon completion, the dialysis centre is expected to serve as a major referral hub for renal care in Northern Cross River, bringing specialist treatment closer to thousands of residents and reducing the financial burden associated with seeking care in neighbouring states.
