From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has said that it has concluded plans with a United States-based nonprofit organisation, sharing Hope Medical Mission, to host a training and surgery medical mission in the state.
the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, represented Governor Bassey Otu at a meeting between the state government and the US-based organisation weekend, said partnership arrangements have been concluded, with the mission scheduled to be held from 4th to 19th October 2024.
His words, “The government is happy with the initiative. It is in tandem with the present administration’s ‘People First’ mantra, which is centred on access and better health service delivery for all citizens of the state by 2027.”
The commissioner has assured the representatives of the team that the government will support the intervention and provide the needed supportive environment for them to accomplish their work in the state.
Dr Ayuk further disclosed that General Hospital Calabar and General Hospital Ukem in Odukpani have selected health facilities to be used by the visiting team for free medical outreach to the people of the state.
He enjoined Cross River plans to take advantage of the state government’s health interventions as a deliberate step to a healthier citizenry by the Otu-led administration
Responding Sharing Hope Medical Mission, represented at the meeting by Hajiya Ismail Bello, said it is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing critical health services and training in underserved regions, with the view to enhance healthcare delivery through a multifaceted approach that includes advanced medical training, surgical interventions, and continuous collaboration with local healthcare providers.
The organisation, however, disclosed that a composition of 25 to 30 experienced professionals, including doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, paramedics and other specialists, would be on the ground for the 16-day outreach.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), surgical procedures across various specialities, specialised medical consulting with doctors and nurses, training by All Sharing Hope volunteers in various health specialities, donation of essential medical supplies, as well as continuous partnership and consulting with local health professionals, were some of the areas of focus mentioned by the organisation.