By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the recruitment of 40 additional medical doctors as part of efforts by his administration to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state’s 17 public hospitals.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this in Calabar, saying the recruitment is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services and addressing the shortage of medical personnel in government-owned health facilities.
According to the Commissioner, the recruitment will comprise 20 Medical Officers, 10 Senior Medical Officers, and 10 Consultant Medical Specialists.
He explained that the vacancies would be advertised, while the recruitment process would be conducted by the Cross River State Civil Service Commission in line with established procedures.
Dr. Ayuk further stated that the newly recruited doctors would benefit from the implementation of the 100 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), recently approved by Governor Otu for medical officers in the state public service.
He noted that the improved remuneration package is expected to enhance the welfare of medical personnel, attract qualified professionals, and encourage the retention of skilled doctors in the state.
The Commissioner added that the recruitment would ensure that each of the state’s 17 public hospitals has an average of three to four doctors, thereby improving the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services.
He described Governor Otu’s approval as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to repositioning the health sector through strategic investment in human resources.
Dr. Ayuk reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting the governor’s healthcare reforms, expressing confidence that the additional manpower would improve service delivery and health outcomes for residents across the state.
The recruitment is the latest in a series of initiatives by the Otu administration aimed at transforming the state’s health sector through improved infrastructure, better welfare for healthcare workers, and expanded access to quality medical services.