The Cross River House of Assembly has adopted a motion calling on the state government to urgently deploy medical doctors and other healthcare professionals to the General Hospital in Obubra.
During a session on Wednesday, the Assembly emphasised the urgent need to recruit more doctors and medical staff for public health facilities across the state.
Mr. Ovat Agbor, the Member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, who sponsored the motion, expressed concern over the critical state of Obubra’s General Hospital.
Agbor pointed out that the facility currently had only one resident doctor who was overwhelmed by patient demand, leading to reduced healthcare quality, longer wait times, and the risk of misdiagnosis.
He also noted a troubling rise in deaths in his constituency due to inadequate medical staffing.
Agbor stressed that the lone resident doctor faced burnout, which could have long-term negative effects on both medical professionals and patients.
Other lawmakers echoed Agbor’s concerns, calling on the state government to prioritise the hiring of more medical professionals and to address the staffing shortages in public health facilities.
They also proposed increasing the pay packages for medical staff to encourage them to remain in the state.
In response, Speaker Mr. Elvert Ayambem assured the assembly that the state government had been responsive to the Assembly’s resolutions.
He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved to improve healthcare delivery for the people of Obubra.
