World Health Day: X-Raying The Golden Achievements Of An Exceptional Leader

By Elvis Eteng

As the world celebrates World Health Day, it is pertinent for us to dissect the golden achievements of the executive governor of Cross River State, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade in the health Sector.

There’s no doubt to the fact that Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has brought light to the health Sector of our beloved state.

Research has proven that every year at least 5million people die due to lack of access to affordable healthcare. However, the number has doubled because of the current pandemic and its adverse effect on the economic situation of the nation; “No money No Healthcare” which shouldn’t be. In that light, the health sensitive and all-loving governor introduced the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme “AYADECARE” – where you just have to enrol and enjoy the best medical insurance available.

Amazingly, some people still ask; why do we need the SHIS.

Well just like the Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu explained in one of her campaigns; “SHIS is more like an investment. When you put your money in the bank it stays there for you whenever you need it. SHIS is a health investment, an insurance that covers your health. It gives you express access to adequate healthcare”.

Also worthy of note is the level of professionalism with which Ayade handled the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic in the state. Cross River State was among the first states to shut her land borders and also the first to introduce the compulsory use of face/nose mask; the latter which invariably all other states emulated courtesy of His Excellency. These potent steps later ensured that Cross River had the least number of COVID-19 Cases. He also facilitated the process of setting up the first testing centre in the state.

In other to cushion the effect of the pandemic, the governor also employed at least 1000 youths in each of the 18LGAs in the state, paying them an allowance of N30,000 monthly.

With the aid of the hardworking Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, the government also launched a campaign to Rescue malnourished children in remote communities – a step that many has lauded on social media.

Health infrastructures have been developed across the state, ranging from the General Hospital to the Primary Health Care Development Agency, and other Health Centers in the state.

Cross River State Ministry of Health under the watch of Dr Betta Edu, made another landmark history as she broke the provisional accreditation jinx in the State.

For the first time, School of Nursing Calabar, School of Nursing Ogoja and School of Midwifery Obudu gained full accreditation status of 5 years with an increase in benchmark across the Schools; School of Nursing Calabar with an increased intake from 40 to 100, School of Nursing Ogoja from 50 to 75, and School of Midwifery Obudu from 50 to 75.

Calabar is now the Host of the Zonal Office of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. All as a result of the efforts, commitment and support of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade.

As the world celebrates World Health Day, I stand firmly to celebrate and appreciate a leader who truly cares about the health and well-being of his people.

Congratulations your Excellency and!!!

Elvis Eteng is a concerned Cross Riverian and he writes from Calabar.