Ukorebi Esien | May 13, 2026
CALABAR – The Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State has criticised the administration of Bassey Otu over what it described as the worsening condition of the state’s health sector, alleging that surgeries are being carried out with the aid of phone torchlights in some public hospitals.
The state Chairman of the PDP, Venatius Ikem, made the allegations while speaking with journalists on the state of healthcare delivery across Cross River State.
Ikem described the condition of public hospitals as “shambolic,” alleging that General Hospitals in Calabar and Akamkpa, regarded as some of the state’s functional public health facilities, are operating under poor conditions with unstable electricity supply.
According to him, the power situation has forced medical personnel to depend on petrol purchased by patients’ relatives or improvise with torchlights during surgical procedures.
“It is unacceptable that surgeries are being conducted with the aid of phone torchlights because there is no electricity in some General Hospitals. The health sector in Cross River requires urgent intervention,” he said.
The opposition party further alleged that there is a severe shortage of medical personnel in government-owned health facilities across the state.
Ikem claimed that fewer than 20 doctors and about 99 nurses are currently in government employment, warning that the situation has weakened healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities.
He attributed the alleged shortage to poor remuneration and harsh working conditions, claiming that many health workers are leaving the state service in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
“Nurses and doctors are leaving due to poor welfare and terrible working conditions. The few available personnel are overstretched and cannot adequately cater for the healthcare needs of the people,” he stated.
The PDP chairman also raised concerns over maternal healthcare, alleging that the shortage of trained midwives has forced many pregnant women to rely on Traditional Birth Attendants.
He called on the state government to introduce legislation regulating the activities of Traditional Birth Attendants and establish referral systems between them and certified medical professionals.
Ikem also questioned the state of healthcare facilities in Odukpani, the governor’s home local government area, alleging that only two nurses are currently deployed to a health facility in the area.
He further alleged that nursing schools in the state are yet to secure accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, a development he said is affecting training capacity and worsening manpower shortages.
The PDP chairman also criticised the Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, accusing him of focusing on minor projects rather than addressing critical issues such as shortage of manpower, poor infrastructure, and lack of modern medical equipment.
Ikem urged the state government to prioritise the recruitment of health workers, rehabilitation of hospitals, and provision of stable electricity and modern equipment in order to restore confidence in the healthcare system.
He warned that continued neglect of the sector could further worsen health outcomes for residents across the state.
However, reacting to the concerns, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Coco-Bassey Esu, said the current administration inherited manpower shortages but has taken steps to strengthen the sector.
Esu disclosed that the state government approved the employment of 200 nurses, many of whom have already received appointment letters.
“Before now, there was a shortage of manpower but when this government came on board, it gave approval to employ 200 nurses, and a lot of them have received their appointment letters,” he said.
On the state of health facilities, he explained that the State Executive Council had approved the rehabilitation of several hospitals across the state, including facilities in Ukem in Odukpani, Ikot Ene in Akpabuyo, IDH Calabar, Ikom, Obudu and Bekwarra.
Addressing concerns over salaries and the migration of health workers abroad, Esu stated that the state operates the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), adding that the government currently pays 70 per cent based on its financial capacity, a decision he said was accepted by organised labour.
According to him, the migration of nurses and doctors is a nationwide trend not limited to Cross River State.
“Teaching hospitals that are paying 100 per cent are still experiencing migration of doctors and nurses. People are leaving because they want to, not necessarily because of salaries,” he stated.
Esu added that while advocacy for improved welfare remained legitimate, the state government was making efforts within available resources to improve healthcare delivery.
He maintained that the ongoing recruitment of nurses and planned rehabilitation of health facilities demonstrate the administration’s commitment to strengthening the sector.
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